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COLLECTION 



Vol. III. 



Chicago Historical Society's Collection. — Vol. III. 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS; 



Being a Portion of the Collection of the 
Letters, Papers, and Manuscripts of 



NINIAN EDWARDS, 

•Chief-Tustice of the Court of Appeals of Kentucky; first and only Governor 

of Illinois Territory; one of the first two United States Senators 

from the State of Illinois; Third Governor of the 

State of Illinois. 



Presented to the Chicago Historical Society, 
October i6th, 1883, 

by his sox, 
NINIAN WIRT EDWARDS, 



Ex-Attorney-General of the State of Illinois. 



^V^frilTED BY i /{pfS ^^S 



E. B. WASHBURNE, 



9 



Ex-Representative in Congress from the State of Illinois; Ex-Secretary of 04 

State ; Ex-Minister of the United States to France N> 
'Vice-President of the Chicago Historical Society; Honorary Member "op 
Massachusetts Historical Society; Corresponding Member of the Maine 
Historical Society; Corresponding Member of the Virginia Histori- 
cal Society; Corresponding Member of the Academie des 
Sciences, Belles Lettres et Arts de Rouen, France; 
Author of the Sketch of Edward Coles, the second Governor of Illinois 
Author of the Preface and Foot-notes to Flower's History of the 
English Settlement in Edwards County, Illinois ; etc., etc. 



CHICAGO: 
FERGUS PRINTING COMPANY. 
1884. 
XL" 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Chicago, Oct. 8, 1883. 

Dear Mr. Field: — Since I had the pleasure of seeing you 
with Mr. Washburne, I have given to the Edwards manuscripts 
further examination, and I find them of greater interest and 
importance even than I had supposed. Gov. Edwards was, as 
you know, for several years the prominent man and leading 
figure in Illinois, and did much to shape its policy and early 
history. His correspondence not only throws much light on the 
history of our own State, the Northwest, but also of the Nation. 
His correspondence includes letters from most of the prominent 
statesmen of the day. 

I understand from our friend, Mr. Washburne, that you had 
generously offered to pay for the publication of these papers. If 
so, he will begin immediately the labor of editing and preparing 
notes so that he may complete the work before he is driven away 
by the cold weather. 

We all appreciate the great liberality and interest in the history 
of our State which you have manifested in this matter. 

Very truly yours, 

Marshall Field, Esq. Isaac N. Arnold. 



Chicago, Oct. 17, 1883. 
Hon. I. N. Arnold, Pres't Chicago Historical Society, 

My Dear Sir: — On my return to the city, I find yours of 8th 
inst, and fully agree with you that the Edwards papers should be 
published, and as Mr. Washburne has so kindly offered to give 
his valuable time to edit them, I shall cheerfully pay for same. 

Yours very truly, 

Marshall Field. 







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PRE FAC E 



AT a meeting of the CHICAGO HISTORICAL SOCIETY, 
held on the evening of October 16, 1883, a pre- 
sentation was made to the Society, of the letters, 
papers, and manuscripts of Hon. NlNlAN EDWARDS, so 
long and honorably identified with the history of Illinois, 
both as a territory and as a state. This most valuable 
and interesting contribution was made by his son, Hon. 
Ninian Wirt Edwards, a distinguished citizen of the 
State of Illinois. These papers have an exceptional 
historical interest, giving an inside view of our early 
times, and particularly of the politicians and the politi- 
cal methods of that day. 

Ninian Edw t ards had a long and distinguished polit- 
ical career. Born in Maryland in 1775, he removed to 
Kentucky in 1795, where he at once entered upon the 
stage of politics. Before he was of age, he was elected 
a member of the legislature of Kentucky. Studying law, 
he soon became distinguished in his profession, and at 
the early age of thirty- two years, he attained the high 
position of chief-justice of the Court of Appeals of 
Kentucky. 

In 1809, Judge Edwards was appointed by President 
Madison the first governor of Illinois Territory, which 
position he held until its admission into the Union as a 
state in 18 18. The territory thus becoming a state, Gov. 
Edwards was elected one of the first two senators to the 
Congress of the United States; his colleague, elected at 
the same time, being- Hon. Tesse B. Thomas. Draw- 



$ PREFACE. 

ing the short term, which expired on the third day of 
March, 1819, he was reelected for the full term of six 
years. In that high position he displayed great ability 
and exceptional qualities as an intelligent and practi- 
cal legislator. He retired from the senate in 1824, on 
his appointment as minister to Mexico, a position, how- 
ever, which he resigned before proceeding to his post. 
In 1826, he became a candidate for governor of Illinois, 
and was elected after a remarkable canvass, in which he- 
was pitted against immense odds, and which he conducted 
with unsurpassed ability. Able, independent, outspoken, 
he disdained all the acts of the ordinary politician; never 
descended to the low level of the demagogue, nor ap- 
pealed to the passions or the prejudices of the people. 
Entering on the duties of his office, he served the State 
with conspicuous ability and usefulness till the end of his 
term in December, 1830. Rendered ineligible to a reelec- 
tion by a constitutional provision, Gov. Edwards deter- 
mined never again to enter public life. But in the election 
for member of Congress in 1832, on the repeated and 
urgent solicitation of many friends in all parts of the dis- 
trict, whose wishes he felt bound to respect, he suffered 
his name to be used as a candidate. It turned out, how- 
ever, that before he finally consented to the use of his 
name as a candidate, other candidates belonging to the 
same party, so far as political parties then existed in the 
State, were already in the field, diligently canvassing the 
district and obtaining many pledges of support. Under 
such circumstances, and making but little personal exer- 
tion, Gov. Edwards was defeated, the highest candidate 
against him having only a small plurality. 

The correspondence published in this volume com- 
menced when Mr. Edwards was a young lawyer in Ken- 
tucky about the year 1800. He then held friendly rela- 
tions with Henry Clay, John Pope, United States Senator 



PREFACE. / 

for Kentucky, and many other prominent men of that 
period in the State. It was from the time when Judge 
Edwards was appointed governor of Illinois Territory in 
1809, that the letters now published begin to have a real 
interest for the student of history. Here will be found 
letters from Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury, 
John J. Crittenden, Martin D. Hardin, U. S. Senator from 
Kentucky, Benjamin Howard, Governor of Missouri Ter- 
ritory, Joseph Charless, the founder of the Missouri Repub- 
lican, Shadrach Bond, delegate in Congress from Illinois 
Territory, Daniel P. Cook, William H. Crawford, Thomas 
H. Benton, and Richard M. Johnson. After the territory 
became a state, we find letters of John Reynolds, Gov. 
Edwards, Jesse B. Thomas, the colleague of Governor 
Edwards in the United States Senate, Rufus King, 
U. S. Senator from New York, William Wirt, Presi- 
dent Monroe, Samuel D. Southard, U. S. Senator from 
New Jersey, John Pope of Kentucky, John C. Calhoun, 
John Quincy Adams, Gen. Jackson, Wm. Lee D. Ewing, 
Felix Grundy, Sam Houston, Duff Green, Daniel Web- 
ster, Geo. Forquer, Gen. Joseph M. Street, John McLean, 
Postmaster- General, John McLean of Illinois, Sidney 
Breese, Alfred Cowles, Hugh Nelson, Minister to Spain, 
Martin VanBuren, Elias Kent Kane, John M. Robinson, 
David J. Baker, the three latter U. S. Senators from Illi- 
nois, A. P. Field, Hooper Warren, and many other gentle- 
men, all bearing on the events of the time. 

In the interesting and valuable "History of Illinois and 
Life of Ninian Edwards," published by Hon. Ninian W. 
Edwards in 1870, there are a large number of very inter- 
esting letters published, which are not reprinted in this 
volume. Nearly all that is herein contained is original 
matter, and never before made public. I have added 
many notes to the text in explanation of the events of 
the time, and illustrating the personal and political char- 



1 



8 PREFACE. 

acter of many of the most prominent of our pioneers 
who helped to lay the foundations of our great common- 
wealth. 

In the publication of The Edwards Papers, here 
presented, the Chicago Historical Society and the public 
generally, are indebted to the characteristic liberality of 
Mr. MARSHALL FIELD, one of the best known and most 
highly esteemed citizens of Chicago, and one of the most 
distinguished merchants in the United States. After an 
examination of the letters, Mr. Field requested that the 
Historical Society should publish them at his individual 
expense. By this generous act, which is so gratefully 
appreciated, the Society is enabled to publish this volume. 
It is illustrated by steel engravings of Governor Edwards 
and Daniel P. Cook, and by fac-similes of many letters 
written to Gov. E., by some of his most distinguished 
cotemporaries. 

At the urgent request of the officers of the Chicago 
Historical Society, I somewhat reluctantly consented to 
undertake the task of editing this volume and overseeing 
its publication. The interest it has awakened in my 
mind in our early history and the clearer view I have 
obtained of men and events of the epoch, have amply 
rewarded my labors, and the volume is now submitted 
to an indulgent public. E. B. W. 

365 Dearborn Avenue, 
Chicago, January, 1884. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Letters of Henry Clay; a young lawyer; his clear statements abou 
business; political speculations; candidate for Senate of Ken- 
tucky ; portion of a letter of Mr. Clay lithographed ; removal of 
Ninian Edwards to Kentucky; his election to Kentucky Legis- 
lature; admitted to practise law in Kentucky and Tennessee, 17 

CHAPTER II. 

Letter of Matthew Lyon ; the letter lithographed ; candidate for sec- 
retary of Upper Louisiana Territory; proposal to annex that 
Territory to Indiana Territory; Georgia Cession; Mr. Randolph 
opposed to it; the career of Matthew Lyon; elected to Congress 
from Vermont and Kentucky; Ninian Edwards candidate for 
Congress against Matthew Lyon; the ability and elevated tone 
of his speeches; appointed judge, he withdraws from the can- 
vass; Lyon candidate for delegate to Congress from Missouri 
Territory, but defeated by Edward Hempstead; elected a dele- 
gate from Arkansas Territory; dies before taking his seat; 
his sons-in-law, Dr. Caldwell and John Messenger, prominent 
men in early times in Illinois; letter of Hon. John Pope of 
Kentucky to Governor Edwards ; his free criticisms on public 
men, particularly John Randolph; Matthew Lyon "turned fed."; 
the public service of John Pope ; his ability and force of charac- 
ter; a visit of the writer to Washington in 1840; a description 
of some members of Congress at that time; Zadoc Casey, John 
Reynolds, and John T. Stuart the members from Illinois; An- 
other letter of Hon. John Pope; his philosophical speculations; 
good advice, - - - - - - 28 



11 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

Letter of Shadrach Bond, Jr.; his complaint of Maj. Whiteside; 
declines to enter into a contest with him; sketch of Mr. Bond; 
his energy, judgment, and sound common-sense; called "Cap- 
tain Bond"; his case like that of Chief-Justice Marshall, who 
was called "General Marshall"; his early residence in Illinois 
Territory; member of the General Assembly of the Northwest- 
ern Territory and afterward of the Indiana Territorial Legislature; 
first delegate to Congress from Illinois Territory; first governor 
of the State of Illinois; removes from the American Bottom to 
Kaskaskia; the house he built there, now in the last stages 
of dilapidation; his death on April 14, 1830; his remains 
removed to Chester; the State erects a monument to his 
memory; description of him by Governor Reynolds; letter of 
Albert Gallatin ( fac-simile ) in relation to the United States 
Salines; sketch of Mr. Gallatin; his long and honorable public 
career; letter of John J. Crittenden; appointed by Governor 
Edwards attorney-general for Illinois Territory; the appoint- 
ment declined; his long and distinguished career in public life; 
letter of H. Butler about the Salines; letter of William Wal- 
lace on the same subject; letter of Acting -Governor Frederick 
Bates of Missouri Territory; letter of Lieut. Price, from Fort 
Massac; description of the old military post; letter of Thomas 
T. Crittenden resigning the office of attorney-general of Illinois 
Territory; letter of Governor Benjamin Howard of Missouri 
Territory, -------42 

CHAPTER IV. 

Letter of Martin D. Hardin; a distinguished lawyer of Kentucky; 
father of Col. John J. Hardin of Illinois; description of Prairie 
du Chien as it appeared in 181 1; an interesting old French- 
Canadian settlement; its large commerce at that time; early 
working of the Dubuque and Galena lead-mines; first discovery 
of lead-ore in the United States; letter of Samuel Whiteside, 
an early settler in Illinois Territory; the Whiteside Family; 
"Whiteside Station"; Whiteside County; General Samuel 



CONTENTS. iii 

'Whiteside; a man of great courage and energy; a Democrat 
in politics, and a "Hard -Shell" Baptist in religion; letter of 
Governor Howard; letter of William B. Whiteside; Goshen 
Settlement; letter of Joseph Charless; publisher of the first 
newspaper ever issued in Upper Louisiana Territory, the 
"Missouri Gazette", afterwards the "Missouri Republican"; 
proposes to print the laws of Illinois for 1812; letter of Thomas 
E. Craig; his expedition to Peoria; brings away many of the 
inhabitants as prisoners; Antoine LeClaire one of them; Le- 
Claire becomes one of the founders of Davenport, Iowa; letter 
of Jonathan Taylor; a lessee of the United States Salines in 
1810, '- - - .- - 58 

CHAPTER V. 

Letter of George Robinson; question of dividing Randolph County 
agitated; petition for division ; Northwestern Territory; County 
of Illinois, Virginia; first counties established in Northwestern 
Territory; Washington first, Hamilton second, St. Clair third, 
Knox fourth, Randolph fifth; controversy about the county-seat 
of Randolph County; William St. Clair; other counties estab- 
lished in Illinois Territory; letter of Robert Brent, paymaster of 
United States Army; letter of Martin D. Hardin; letter of 
Captain William Clark; a distinguished explorer and governor 
of Missouri Territory; a brother of George Rogers Clark; letter 
of John Hays, an early settler at Cahokia; much of his life 
passed in the fur-trade ; postmaster of Cahokia, and sheriff of 
St. Clair County; other letters of Robert Brent; letter of Thomas 
E. Craig; Craig's report to Governor Edwards of his expedition 
to Peoria; speaks of certain parties at Peoria as " Dam'd 
Rascals", ------- yj 

CHAPTER VI. 

Letter of Joseph Charless; printing laws of Illinois Territory; letters 
of Shadrach Bond to Governor Edwards while delegate to Con- 
gress; Edward Hempstead first delegate from Missouri Terri- 
tory; resolution of the Legislature of Illinois Territory, respect- 
ing the partial introduction of negroes to carry on the salt-works; 



iv CONTENTS. 

thinks it "would make a fuss with some"; "the feds." smile 
when the news of Winchester's defeat was announced in the 
House of Congress; calling of an extra session of Congress 
"to Play the Deviel with "Western delegates"; Bond leaves 
"Racoon Grove" for "Washington; wants a guard; letter of 
M. D. Hardin; speculations touching the war; letter of Mr. 
Bond; successors to Judges Stuart and Griswold; the latter a 
good lawyer, paid his debts, and sung David's Psalms; Judge 
Sprigg, the successor of Judge Stuart; his contempt for street 
politics; presentment of the grand jury against the judges of 
the Territory for non-attendance and non-residence; letter of 
Edward Tiffin; his public services; letter of Shadrach Bond; 
an intelligent, faithful, and vigilant representative of the people; 
his address to his constituents, 91 

CHAPTER VII. 

Letter of James Monroe, secretary of war; letter of J. Meigs, com- 
missioner of the general land-office; letter of Benjamin Stephen- 
son, an early pioneer, second delegate to Congress from Territory 
of Illinois, receiver of public moneys at Edwardsville, father of 
Colonel James W. Stephenson of Galena; Governor Edwards 
and Colonel Stephenson intimate and life -long friends; letter 
of Daniel P. Cook to Governor Edwards; brief sketch of Mr. 
Cook and Nathaniel Pope; Cook a man of great ability, four 
times elected to Congress from the State of Illinois, acting- 
chairman of the committee of ways and means during his last 
term of service, beaten for Congress in 1826 by Joseph Duncan; 
broken down in health, dies in Kentucky, October 16th, 1827; a 
brilliant and distinguished career cut short at the age of thirty- 
two years; "the paths of glory lead but to the grave"; though 
a Kentuckian, a strong anti- slavery man and opposed to the 
convention resolution; first attorney - general of the State ot 
Illinois, judge of the Circuit Court in the western circuit; Cook 
County named after him; married the daughter of Governor 
Edwards; left one son, General John Cook of Springfield, Illi- 
nois; letter of Shadrach Bond; applies to be appointed secre- 



CONTENTS. V 

tary of the Territory in the event of the election of Nathaniel 
Pope as a delegate to Congress; letter of John Pope of Ken- 
tucky, respecting his defeat for Congress; letter of Daniel P. 
Cook; desires to purchase land near where the seat of govern- 
ment is to be; letter of William H. Crawford, in regard to the 
United States Salines; letter of Joseph Charless, criticising 
letter of Major Christy; letter of Governor Clark of Missouri 
Territory, - - - - - - - 118 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Letters of Daniel P. Cook; Col. Lane; Cook predicts that Mr. Clay 
would be secretary of war: seeks the appointment of secretary 
of Alabama Territory; in relation to expenditures of Mr. Boilvin 
as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien; declines appointment of 
clerk in the state department; speculations as to Mr. Pinckney, 
Mr. Rush, Mr. Clay, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Gallatin; 
letter of Auguste Chouteau, early settler and Indian trader of 
St. Louis; his great influence over the Indian tribes of the 
Northwest, negotiates many Indian treaties, a man distinguished 
for probity and integrity, brother of Pierre Chouteau, Jr., of St. 
Louis, his wife the daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Menard of 
Kaskaskia; another letter of Auguste Chouteau; letter of Daniel 
P. Cook; his canvass for Congress in 1818 against John McLean; 
warm opposition from slave-men, but still warmer support from 
freemen ; letter of Thomas H. Benton ; recommends that 
General Bissell be appointed to command in St. Louis; letter 
of Governor Bond to Edwards, Thomas, and McLean; another 
letter of Governor Bond in regard to additional pay for receivers 
of land offices; letter of Daniel P. Cook; recommends the 
appointment of Greenberry Ridgeley as secretary of Arkansas 
Territory; predicts "reappointment" of Governor Edwards to 
United States Senate nem. con.; later letter of Mr. Cook on 
the same subject; lawless projects to defeat the election of 
Governor Edwards; criticism of Governor Bond and Elias 
Kent Kane. ______ ^5 



vi CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Letter of Gov. Bond; rental of the salines; election of U. S. sena- 
tor; Col. Jones a candidate; doubts as to who would be elected; 
letter of Thomas Cox; announces to Gov. Edwards his election 

as U. S. senator; Kitchell did "his d st" to keep him out; 

objections made to Edwards; Cox a prominent figure in early 
Illinois politics; a state senator from Union County; removes 
to Iowa, and commanded the "Regulators" at the "battle of 
Bellevue", April i, 1840; member of the Iowa Territorial Legis- 
lature and speaker of the House of Representatives; dies at 
Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1843; letter of John Marshall, president of 
the Shawneetown Bank ; letter of John Caldwell ; letter of Daniel 
P. Cook, when a candidate for Congress against John McLean, 
in 1819 ; what Jesse B. Thomas and Col. Michael Jones said ; 
Dr. Alexander says he shall not get a vote in his county; letter 
of Thomas H. Benton ; vote for John Scott for Congress to be 
major-general; letter of Richard M. Johnson ; "Rumpsey, Dump- 
sey, Col. Johnson killed Tecumseh " ; red plush and double- 
breasted waistcoat : a letter of John Reynolds ; the Goshen 
Settlement ; a friend of Daniel S. Cook ; " start Stephenson on 
the chase"; letter of Daniel P. Cook. - 152 

CHAPTER X. 

Letter of Ninian Edwards when U. S. senator to President Monroe ; 
protests against the appointment of Foulke for one of the land- 
offices at Palestine ; calls attention of the president to his recom- 
mendation for office ; Gen. Smith recommended ; correspondence 
between Senators Edwards and Thomas in regard to action of 
the Senate on the nomination of Edward Humphrey as land- 
officer at Kaskaskia ; letter of Ninian Edwards to Wm. H. Craw- 
ford, in relation to Mr. Humphrey ; letter of Rufus King, U. S. 
senator from New York; Mr. King one of the ablest statesmen 
this country ever produced; born in Scarboro', in the province 
of Maine; the greatest man ever born in Maine; Sir William 
Pepperell placed next after him; George Evans intellectually the 



CONTENTS. v ii 

equal, or superior, of either of them ; Col. Benton's description of 
Rufus King; note verbale of Mr. Crawford; letter of Ninian 
Edwards to Mr. Crawford, touching recommendations to 'office 
by senators ; frank and able expressions of his views ; letter of 
William Wirt on the same subject; speaks with the authority 
of a great lawyer and statesman; the encroachments of the Sen- 
ate on executive authority; senators now forming syndicates to 
coerce the president in matter of appointments; the intimate 
personal relations between Wirt and Edwards; the letters of 
Mr. Wirt to Benjamin and Ninian Edwards; the charming char- 
acter of William Wirt; letter-writing now a lost art; letter of 
Thomas Reynolds, Junior ; wants Edwards to run for governor; 
Reynolds removes to Missouri, and elected governor of that State 
in 1840, - - - - - - 166 

CHAPTER XI. 

Letter of Gov. Edwards; it is not known to whom addressed; un- 
doubtedly to some prominent politician in the State; high com- 
pliment paid to Judge Lockwood; letter of John Reynolds in 
regard to senatorial election; Kitchell, McLean, Bond, and Kane 
all for Thomas; wants appointments to the land-offices hastened; 
disappointed people will kick up; some members want Lockwood 
to offer; thinks he can himself succeed if election is delayed; 
wants to know who are in the market for land-offices; letter of 
President Monroe in regard to land-offices at Springfield; letter 
of Samue.1 L. Southard of New Jersey, secretary of the navy 
under Mr. Adams, governor of New Jersey, and U. S. senator; 
letter of John Pope, gives advice about farms and about settling 
down; letter of John C. Calhoun; writes of his presidential 
prospects; high compliment to Gov. Edwards; his capacity, 
integrity, and firmness; letter of James Latham; name of 
Springfield, 111., changed to Calhoun; Mr. Latham wants an 
Indian agency; letter of Duff Green; he married the sister of 
Gov. Edwards; wants a mail contract in Missouri; letter of 
Salomon P. Sharpe of Kentucky; writes of national and state 
politics. ----___ jg 2 



vii ; CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Letter of Thomas Lippincott; a strong anti-slavery man; father of 
of Gen. Lippincott, auditor of public accounts in Illinois; desires 
clerkship in land-office at Washington ; the convention question ; 
letter of Governor Edwards to Rufus King; expresses his grate- 
ful appreciation for Mr. King's friendship; note verbale of Gen. 
Jackson ; brief note of Rufus King, advising Gov. Edwards of 
his confirmation as minister to Mexico; confirmed unanimously 
and without debate; letter of Daniel P. Cook in relation to the 
Edwards and Crawford controversy; is prepared "to meet all 
attacks with discretion and calmness"; letter of Gov. Edwards 
to President Monroe; states his reasons why he resigns his 
position as minister to Mexico; letter of John Sloane of Ohio; 
wants endorsement of Gov. Edwards; letters of William Wirt 
in regard to the Edwards and Crawford controversy, - 218 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Letter of Wm. Lee D. Ewing; wants assistance of Gov. Edwards 
to get surveying contract; Mr. Ewing a senator in the legisla- 
ture in 1832; being president of the senate, becomes governor 
for fifteen days in 1834; afterward elected U. S. senator; letter 
of Felix Grundy; goes to Edwardsville to defend Winchester 
for the killing of Smith; his long and distinguished public life 
in Kentucky and Tennessee; United States senator from Ten- 
nessee and attorney-general in the cabinet of Mr. VanBuren; 
his great reputation as a criminal lawyer; letter of John Scott 
of Missouri; wants "Coke on Littleton"; the third delegate in 
Congress from Missouri; a representative in Congress from 
Missouri for six years; gives the vote of Missouri for Mr. 
Adams, in 1824; letter of Judge Richard M. Young; urges 
Edwards to become a candidate for governor; Judge Young a 
long time on the Circuit and Supreme Bench of Illinois, United 
States senator, commissioner of general land -office; letter of 
Gen. Sam Houston; fac-simile of his well-known signature; 
letter of Gov. Edwards to Henry Clay; wants a favorable 
recognition of the Illinois-and-Michigan Canal from Pres. John 



CONTENTS. IX 

Quincy Adams; letter of Daniel P. Cook; Andrew Stevenson 
of Virginia offended because Cook had been placed above him 
on the committee of ways and means; high political positions 
occupied by Andrew Stevenson; the father of ex-Gov. Steven- 
son of Kentucky; married Miss Sarah Coles, a sister of Edward 
Coles, the second governor of Illinois; letter of Gov. Edwards 
to A. G. S. Wight; revives memories of strange times in Illinois; 
transfer of service of colored persons in Illinois; Col. Wight an 
early settler in the Fever-River lead-mines; letter of Daniel P. 
Cook; speculations as to the circuit judgeship under the new 
judiciary bill; another letter of Mr. Cook on the same subject; 
a letter of Mr. Cook to his wife; letter of Gov. Edwards to 
Henry Eddy, written during during the pending gubernatorial 
contest of 1826; Gov. Edwards fights all the factions single- 
handed and alone; his success as a political canvasser; Dr. 
Newhall's opinion of him; common people proud to vote for 
such a high-toned and elegant gentleman; the candidates for 
governor at this election; the full vote given; Henry Eddy, a 
man of ability and high character, - 232 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Letter of Duff Green; suggests that Daniel P. Cook be sent as 
minister to Colombia: letter of John Marshall of Shawneetown; 
expresses deep feeling at the defeat of Daniel P. Cook; con- 
siders Gov. Edwards partially responsible for the result; admon- 
ishes the governor " that prudence is as necessary to success as 
talents"; letter of Duff Green; intelligent outline of the politi- 
cal outlook when the letter was written; Mr. Clay's visit to 
Kentucky an "abortion"; letter of N. Edwards to Henry Clay; 
explains the defeat of Mr. Cook for Congress; uncommitted in 
regard to the presidential election; letter of S. Simpson; inter- 
esting speculations on the subject of the presidential election; 
letter of N. Edwards to Henry J. Mills; disdains the aid of 
combinations and defies their power; letter of Duff Green; 
presidential speculations; letter of Sidney Breese; his modest 
ambition at that time ; another letter of Gov. Edwards to Henry 
J. Mills, in respect of the investigation of the official conduct 



x CONTENTS. 

of the officers of the branch bank at Edward sville; letter of 
Daniel Webster to William Wirt; letter of Joseph M. Street; 
his description of Peoria in 1827; Mr. Street an early settler in 
Shawneetown ; large number of prominent citizens of Illinois 
who resided in that town in an early day, - - 253 

CHAPTER XV. 

Letter of Gen. Joseph M. Street; writes from his residence in Shaw- 
neetown; description of a visit to Peoria; badly in want of an 
office; foresees the great advantage of the canal; prominent 
men who have resided at Shawneetown ; letter of George For- 
quer, the half-brother of Gov. Thomas Ford; Forquer and Daniel 
P. Cook layout the town of Waterloo, in Monroe County; For- 
quer a member of the legislature from that county; resigns to 
become secretary of state under Gov. Coles; senator from San- 
gamon County in 1832; elected attorney-general of the State in 
1829; letter of Duff Green; bad state of health of Daniel P. 
Cook; his projected voyage to Cuba; Green's speculations 
about presidential candidates; another letter of Joseph M. Street; 
Jones, White, Eddy, McLean; yet another letter of Mr. Street; 
had been on a visit to Cumberland College, Princeton, Kentucky; 
his brother-in-law, Maj. Posey; criticism of Eddy's paper; call 
of the legislature unpopular; the administration of Adams reign- 
ing triumphant at Shawneetown ; few Jackson men to be found 
anywhere; describes a political discussion in Kentucky between 
Henry and Lyon, candidates for Congress. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Further letters of Gen. Joseph M. Street; more about the congres- 
sional contest in Kentucky; Lyon comes out for Jackson; fears 
that he will be elected to Congress on account of two adminis- 
tration candidates running, Henry and New; the new paper at 
Edwardsville, the "Corrector"; wants to resign as general of 
militia; sees Mr. Cook when passing through Shawneetown for 
Kentucky, never more to return; McLean has high hopes for 
senator; speculations as to the chances of the candidates; 



CONTENTS. XI 

description of a drunken row at a camp-meeting; "the Lord 
works in his own way, and will do as to Him seems good"; 
letter of Ninian Edwards to the secretary of war; shows his 
just appreciation of the condition of things regarding the Indians; 
urges prompt and immediate action by the war department; 
fifteen hundred men driven from the vicinity of Galena by the 
hostile acts of the Indians; letter of Joseph M. Street; his 
appointment as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien obtained; 
grateful acknowledgments to Gov, Edwards for his influence; 
still desirous of resigning as general, of militia, but will hold on 
if there be any probability of being called into action; about 
Kentucky politics; Clay made a mistake when he made John 
Pope his enemy; regrets that the really worthy men of Ken- 
tucky are arrayed against each other; they should press "forward 
arm in arm to victory." ----- 290 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to President Adams in regard to Indian 
matters; letter of the governor to the secretary of war; writes 
of certain Indian hostilities; reiterates application to the president 
for protection to the settlers; they have a claim on the govern- 
ment for protection against the savages; Colonel Field reports 
that about 3000 men had been driven from the Fever-River lead- 
mines; generous proposition of Governor Edwards to provide 
subsistence with his own funds; protest against Indians longer 
occupying ceded lands; letter of Joseph M. Street; delay in 
repairing to his post as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien ; letter 
of John McLean, overwhelmed with business, inquires about Mr. 
Cook; another letter of Joseph M. Street; his arrival at Prairie 
du Chien; easy manner in which he has "slid into the spirit of 
Indian affairs"; Indians soured by the conduct of the advent- 
urers, flocking to and working the lead-mines of Fever River; 
they have a contempt for "naked Indians" and behave like black- 
guards; elaborate description of boundaries under Indian treaties; 
the "Winnebago Indians complain of the trespass of the miners; 
no notice taken of it, and the "diggings progressed"; Waw- 



xii CONTENTS. 

zeekootee, he who "Shoots in the Pine Tops", furious against the 
whites and tells the Winnebagoes : " Go strike the first blow and 
the Sioux will help you"; desires to be appointed a commissioner 
to treat with Indians: i Indians have a great opinion of his 
"gravity and portly look"; like Bolingbroke, does not mean to 
" make an every-day exhibition of his person ", - 304 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to secretary of war; transmits estimate 
of sums necessary to pay militia; letter of Joseph M. Street; 
the extreme isolation of Prairie du Chien in the winter of 1827; 
no mails, no letters, no newspapers; neglect of the post-master; 
table of distances from Prairie du Chien to Edwardsville and 
St. Louis; proposes a new mail route from Edwardsville to 
Fever River, ultimately to be continued to Prairie du Chien; 
commencement of the town of Cassville, opposite the mouth of 
Turkey River; the Indian chief " Red Bird ", his fantastic dress; 
apprehensions of danger if he is hanged; hears of the death of 
Daniel P. Cook; a just and honorable tribute to his memory; 
"he was a clean politician, 'and a ripe and good one'"; still 
desires to be appointed commissioner to treat with the "Winne- 
bagoes; letter of Governor Edwards to the secretary of the 
treasury, in relation to location of lands for a seminary of learn- 
ing; letter of Hooper Warren, a pioneer printer in Illinois; 
early printers and publishers in Illinois have a hard time; 
Warren one of the original anti-slavery men in the State ; pub- 
lishes the "Spectator" at Edwardsville during the great slavery 
struggle of 1823-24; opposes the election of Edward Coles for 
governor, for personal reasons; establishes in 1841, in conjunc- 
tion Zebina Eastman, the "Genius of Liberty", at Lowell, LaSalle 
County; recommends to Governor Edwards the sale of the 
"Sangamon Spectator", ----- 319 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Letter of Joseph M. Street; announces the death of Red Bird, the 
Indian chief, from natural causes; delay in the trial of the other 



CONTENTS. X1J1 

Indians; the Indians peacefully awaiting the promised treaty; 
believes he has obtained to a very considerable standing with 
the Indians, and gained the respect of the whites at Prairie du 
Chien; Indians deeply impressed with his great importance and 
consider him a "great chief"; his voluminous communications 
to the secretary of war; his long absence from his family; 
letter of Hooper Warren; "is heartily tiried of struggling for a 
subsistence in a laborious, unprofitable, and thankless business"; 
newspapers have but little influence, readers are few, and are 
taught to believe that all that appears in a newspaper is a lie; 
a printing establishment a poor investment; Colonel Cox pre- 
paring to "keep entertainment", has quit drinking and appears a 
new man; letters of Governor Edwards to General Clark; the 
the governor out of patience with the government for so long 
•delaying the removal of the Indians from the ceded lands in this 
State; suggests that force must be substituted for persuasion 
in dealing with the Indians; if government will not remove 
Indians, he will not hesitate to do so on his own responsibility; 
letter of John McLean, postmaster -general, in regard to the 
accounts of Daniel P. Cook; intimate and friendly relations 
always existing between Governor Edwards and Mr. Cook with 
Mr. McLean, ----__ 332 

CHAPTER XX. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to the secretary of war; demands to 
know what measures have been taken to remove the Indians 
from the ceded lands in Illinois; letter to John McLean of Illi- 
nois ; tenders him the olive branch ; treats of the senatorship, and 
of the election of a Congressman; the election of Gen. Duncan 
to Congress; Smith, Kinney, West, Reynolds, Bond, Kane, and 
others would be for him, while all would be opposed to McLean; 
Smith has declared opposition to him, and is the life and soul of 
the party opposed to him; what will be Smith's management 
to obtain the election of senator? ; exposes the schemes of these 
men; thinks an alliance with Forquer would be more advan- 
tageous than one with Duncan; the object of Smith, Kinney, 



x i v CONTENTS. 

and Co. ; they would disfranchise every man who would happens 
to differ from them in opinion; the election 'of Forquer to Con- 
gress would ensure the election of McLean to the senate; little- 
known of John McLean at the present day; McLean County 
named in his honor; his official career; member of the legis- 
lature and speaker of the house of representatives, twice elected 
U. S. senator, first for a short term, second time for a full term; 
dies at Shawneetown, after serving for the long session of the 
long term; beautiful and fitting tribute paid to his memory by 
his surviving colleague, Elias Kent Kane; sketches of him by 
Governor Reynolds, Governor Ford, and William H. Brown; 
another letter of Governor Edwards to John McLean; further 
speculations in regard to congressional matters; Fever River 
an important factor in elections at this time; will not go for 
Pope for senator; letter of Sidney Breese; writes in relation to 
ordering an election for the legislature from Randolph County, 
to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of John Lacy; wants 
to get a friend elected, - 342. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Letters of John McLean of Illinois; question of the United States 
senatorship; poor opinion of Judge Browne; meets the advances 
of Governor Edwards frankly; thinks but little of Smith, Kin- 
ney, and West; honest men should unite to prevent the rule 
of unprincipled pretenders; concert among political friends 
honorable when not prostituted to unjust and improper pur- 
poses; letter of Hooper Warren, in regard to the sale of the 
Sangamo " Spectator " ; letters of George Forquer, Alfred 
Cowles and Benjamin Mills; mandamus suit in which Governor 
Edwards was a party; notice of Benjamin Mills; a gifted, 
brilliant, and eloquent man ; one of the early lawyers of Galena ; 
member of the legislature of 1832-3; chairman of the managers 
to prosecute the impeachment of Judge Smith; his unrivalled 
speech; shows Judge Drummond his notes; "off coat and roll 
up sleeves"; prejudice against Yankees in Illinois; though a. 
Kentuckian, Daniel P. Cook stigmatized as a Yankee; anecdote 
of Daniel P. Cook; reminiscences of Benjamin Mills by John 



CONTENTS. XV 

T. Stuart; the long and honorable career of Mr. Stuart in Illi- 
nois; Mr. Mills runs for Congress against William L. May; 
defeated by unfair means; the vote between Mills and May; 
Mills unrivaled as a conversationist and had a ready and delicate 
wit rarely surpassed; a victim of consump:'cn, like Daniel P. 
Cook he left his Illinois home to breathe his last in the land of 
his birth; John McLean, Benjamin Mills, and Daniel P. Cook, 
three men^whose names will always stand out pre-eminent in 
the history of Illinois; though Mills, as a Galenian, was 
defeated for Congress, four other citizens of the same town 
were subsequently elected to that position, - - 358 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Letter of Hugh Nelson, a representative in Congress from Virginia 
and a minister to Spain; a high tribute to Governor Edwards 
as an upright and honest statesman and politician; an opinion 
concerning a constitutional question ; letter of Sidney Breese, in 
regard to an election to fill a vacancy in the legislature; letter 
of Governor Edwards to Richard J. Hamilton; some sharp 
inquiries touching a loan made by the bank of Edwardsville to 
Judge Young; letter of George Forquer and E. C. Berry, in 
respect to matters connected with the banks; letter of Duff 
Green; his speculations as to whom would compose Jackson's 
cabinet; agrees with Governor Edwards on the land question, 
but does not believe the Supreme Court will sustain him; that 
court dwindles as you approach it; another letter from Duff 
Green; Gen. Jackson's cabinet; Gov. Edwards' position on the 
public-land question; in the Supreme Court is lodged the tyrant, 
the monarch of this country; letter of A. P. Field; sketch 
of A. P. Field; member of the convention legislature in 1822; 
Hansen put out, and Shaw put in; secretary of state from 
1828-40; appointed secretary of the territory of Wisconsin in 
1841; in New Orleans at the breaking out of the Rebellion; 
claims a seat in Congress in 1863, but not admitted; always 
a loyal man; wanted to die in that country over which the 
American flag waved; attorney -general for the State of Lou- 



XVI CONTENTS. 

isiana; died in New Orleans in 1877; letter of Hooper 
Warren ; looking for a place in which to engage in the 
newspaper business; Dr. Newhall an early and prominent set- 
tler at the Fever -River lead-mines; a surgeon in the United 
States army at Fort Winnebago; returns to Galena, where he 
lived until his death; actively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine; letter of George Forquer; explains about recommenda- 
tions for office; Charles Dunn; appointed United States district 
judge for Wisconsin; his intense hatred of Yankees; another 
letter of Hooper Warren; determines to go to Galena to start a 
newspaper; another letter of George Forquer; explains cause 
of his delay in repairing to his post of duty, - - 372 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Letter of Sidney Breese; wants to be appointed judge in case of a 
vacancy by the death of Judge Smith; letter of George Forquer 
about appointment of canal commissioner; letter of Governor 
Edwards to Samuel D. Ingham, secretary of the treasury; clear 
statement in relation to the school fund; letter of Hooper 
Warren, in regard to postmaster at Hillsborough; letter of 
Governor Edwards to secretary of war; urges appointment of 
engineer to survey the route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal; 
letter of Duff Green; General Jackson well understands the 
state of parties in Illinois; is resolved to sustain the friends of 
Governor Edwards in the State; Duncan's power at an end 
with the administration; letter of Hooper Warren; arrives at 
Galena by mail-stage; dull times at Galena, and unfavorable 
for commencing business; Judge Lockwood's limited exertions 
in behalf of the paper; letter of J. F. Posey, written for A. P. 
Field, secretary of state; the indictment against Winn not to 
be found; letter of George Forquer; complains of the inertness 
of the canal commissioners; a work of too much magnitude to 
be slept over throughout the years 1829-30; if a vacancy should 
occur, thinks he could render good service as canal commis- 
sioner, ------- 393 



CONTENTS. xvil 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Letters of Hooper Warren from Galena; delay in the appearance of 
the Galena "Advertiser"; Dr. Philleo hunting for a keg of ink; 
a Jackson paper and Jacksonism; toast of Col. A. Field at a 
4th-of-July celebration at Galena, 1829 ; if to be a Jackson paper, 
the Galena "Advertiser" should be under the political control of 
Dr. Philleo; Kinney fishing for the support of the paper; agents 
of the lead-mines arriving at Galena; principal business men 
at Galena supporters of the Adams administration; disgusted 
at the course of the Jackson administration; letter of Governor 
Edwards to the postmaster-general; sharp criticism of the pro- 
ject to change the mail route so as to cut off Edwardsville ; 
letter of P. Bradley, assistant postmaster-general, in explanation; 
letter of John Reynolds ; wants to communicate with Governor 
Edwards in the spirit of peace and good-will, "let the past be 
forgotten"; Reynolds wants to be candidate for governor; 
friends of peace and good order urging his claim, not so much 
for him as for the public; "meet that we act together"; "we 
must head our opponents in our own way"; Reynolds elected 
governor in 1830 over his main opponent, Lieut. -Gov. William 
Kinney; both Jackson men, but Kinney the more pronounced 
and vehement; Reynolds a great master of the art of election- 
eering ; careful not to offend the anti-Jackson element ; Kinney 
an ultra-Jackson man ; the anti-Jackson men in the State vote 
for Reynolds, and secure his election ; Zadoc Casey, on the 
ticket with Kinney for governor, was elected lieutenant-governor 
over Slocumb, who was on the ticket for lieutenant-governor 
with Reynolds, ------ 406 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Letter of Governor Edwards' to John Reynolds ; replies to letter of 
the latter about gubernatorial matters ; as between Kinney and 
Reynolds, the latter has nothing to apprehend from his opposi- 
tion ; letter of Hooper Warren ; a chapter of his struggles to 
make a livelihood by printing and publishing a newspaper; gen- 
erosity and magnanimity manifested toward him by Governor 



XV111 CONTENTS. 

Edwards; discouraging condition of things as connected with 
the publication of his paper; has to work early and late, Sun- 
days and all ; Judge Young offers him clerkship of court in 
Hancock County ; his opinion of Kinney agrees with that of 
Governor Edwards ; letter of Duff Green ; all about scramble for 
office ; Kinney at Washington to obtain control of removals 
and appointments in Illinois under the Jackson administration ; 
members of Congress organize a corps in support of each other ; 
about the appointment of Doctor Edwards as the receiver of 
the land-office at Edwardsville ; urges Governor Edwards not 
to retire from politics ; inducements for him to be elected to 
the senate ; Crawford to be a candidate for the presidency; 
tells Governor Edwards in confidence that General Jackson will 
be a candidate for re-election ; certain appointments will break 
the charm which Kinney has attempted to weave ; a prudent 
man will guard at all times against contingencies ; Governor 
Edwards' friends should act together throughout the State, 418 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Letter of John Reynolds to Governor Edwards and Alfred Cowles; 
about starting out on an electioneering tour; Kinney urged as 
being the exclusive Jackson man before the people; "these 
lies must be headed"; "I go the whole hog for our people"; 
loves an active man more than a drone; recommends that the 
prominent Adams men should not abuse Jackson; "to keep 
cool and dark " on the election between him and Kinney; letter 
of Martin VanBuren, secretary of state, in relation to the sur- 
render of Paul Vallad by the government of Canada; letter of 
George Forquer; the struggles and poverty of the early lawyers 
of Illinois; endeavcr.ng to raise the sum of $300; letter of 
Hooper Warren; light shed upon the political condition at 
Galena at that time; Galena, the great centre of political in- 
fluence; James Jones, the first printer of Galena; and Moses 
Meeker, one of the first settlers; Meeker's Point; "The Point"; 
name finally changed to Galena; Major Legate, superintendent 
of the United States lead-mines at Galena; Thomas Ford and 



CONTENTS. XIX 

James W. Stephenson said to be the editors of the "Miner's 
Journal"; Ford then a young lawyer at Galena; elected gov- 
ernor of the State in 1842; Judge Doty of the United States 
District Court of Michigan Territory becomes the Green -Bay 
correspondent of the "Galena Advertiser"; claims that the 
southern bend of Lake Michigan shall be the boundary; large 
majority of the Galena people want that line established; Kin- 
ney expected to visit Galena at the November court; letter of 
John Reynolds; returns after a thirty-six days' tour through 
the Wabash country; three - fourths of that country will "go 
in" for him against Kinney; Archer and Lowry "go in" for 
Reynolds much before Kinney; thinks that they would love to 
vote for Governor Coles if they could succeed with him; lies 
•circulated that he is an Adams man; the only thing that Kin- 
ney and friends have to go on; McRoberts whining about his 
voting for Forquer for attorney-general before him; sees McLean 
at Carmi; he is in a great heat of anger against Kinney and 
Kane, _______ 432 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Letter of John Reynolds; still on his canvass for governor; his 
friends interested in him "for the good of the country"; the 
welfare of his friends and country to have his whole attention 
whether elected or not; everything right in Union County; 
thinks it will be so in Jackson County; an immense current 
against Kinney in that quarter; letter of Duff Green; appoint- 
ment of Emanuel J. West as charge d'affaires to Peru ; Ing- 
ham not a friend of Governor Edwards; Duncan constantly 
with him and fills his ears with slanders; letter of George 
Forquer; proposed sharp practice to get control of a newspaper 
at Springfield; shows political management in this State in 
"'ye olden time"; letter of Duff Green; Samuel D. Ingham, 
secretary of treasury under General Jackson, surrounded by 
bitter enemies of Governor Edwards; Ingham's hostility to the 
governor; West tells the president that John McLean of the 
senate is hostile to him; suggests that if Edwards will beat 



XX CONTENTS. 

Duncan for Congress, all will be right; letter of A. P. Field; 
the gubernatorial contest for 1830 already entered upon; poli- 
tical meetings in Union, Johnson, and Pope counties; letters 
of A. P. Field; candidates who will be elected to the senate 
and house; Brooks not elected but Grammar is; John Gram- 
mar's speech as given by Judge Gillespie; Grammar, an early 
settler of Southern Illinois; member of the territorial council; 
afterward for many years a state senator; a type of the early 
Egyptian politicians; ignorant, illiterate, and full of prejudice, 
but inflexibly honest ; while hating the " abolishioners," was 
never in legislative rings, and their hands never stained with 
bribes; letter of Hooper Warren; Jones of the opposition paper 
supports Kinney for governor; Colonel Wight sent to Galena 
for the purpose of operating for Kinney; VanBuren's and Kin- 
ney's arrangements must be broken in upon; removals and 
appointments in this State intended to mortify Gov. Edwards; 
Doctor Newhall in favor of Reynolds; Thomas Ford elected 
governor in 1842; backed out as a justice of the peace at 
Galena in 1829; wants to leave the establishment in the 
spring, ------- 444 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Letter of George Forquer; shows the spirit of the contest for gov- 
ernor between Reynolds and Kinney; Forquer, a great Rey- 
nolds man; indignant at the treatment he has received; "I 

will take care of my family, and politics may go to "; 

many members of his party are troublesome and dead weights; 
"a cent -per -cent set"; believes one passion rules General 
Jackson, namely vengeance; a mere executioner in the hands 
of a set of Jacobins; General Jackson against Gov. Edwards 
and his friends; Kinney and company want to mix up Gov- 
ernor Edwards in the gubernatorial fight; his party reminds 
him of a game-cock that had been whipped; nothing but a 
fighting front by the whole party can do any good; "let all 
fight or none, all write or none, all talk or none"; letter of 
John Reynolds; illustrates the spirit of the canvass then pro- 
gressing between Kinney and himself; will labor hard to pay 



CONTENTS. XXI 

his debt of gratitude to his country and his friends; will change 
some of the expressions of Alfred Cowles more into his own 
"lingo"; letter of Edmund Roberts; an early suggestion Of 
"making a harbor at Chicago"; three vessels arrived at Chi- 
cago ; number of wagons had come from the head of the 
Wabash for salt, etc. ; and also from the settlement on the 
rapids of Illinois; letters of Hooper Warren; Mr. Canal wants 
to be informed of the author of a letter published in the " Galena 
Advertiser"; advises Governor Edwards to write nothing anony- 
mously; Kane has been caught in that way; nothing said yet 
in his paper about the governor's election; next number of the 
paper comes out for Reynolds; difference between Dr. Newhall 
and Dr. Philleo, the proprietors of the paper, upon this subject; 
the mercantile interest of the place opposed to the administra- 
tion, and will go in a body for Reynolds; the West case; 
Col. Wight, T. W. Smith, and Captain Henry ; Kinney heartily 
opposed to the Canal; Ford not against Reynolds; letter of 
Sidney Breese; recommends an appointment to office, 458 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to George Graham, commissioner of 
general land-office; writes in regard to the selection of lands; 
the letter a model of perspicuity ; the governor thoroughly 
understands the interests of the State ; letter of Hooper War- 
ren ; lively times in Galena during the winter ; thanks God 
that the winter is almost over; "balls, parties, gambling, and 
frolicking"; letter of Sidney Breese ; desires information concern- 
ing selection of lands by the canal commissioners ; letter of 
George Forquer; interesting inside view of men and things 
in Illinois at that time ; has misgivings in regard to John 
McLean; about the approaching congressional election ; McLean 
owes nothing to any party in Illinois; William L. May well 
satisfied with McLean; Kane will be hard to beat; it is said 
Morgan and upper counties will give Reynolds a majority for 
governor; Reynolds too timid, while his enemies are daring, 
defiant, and manly; Reynolds dreads the manly tone of the 



XX11 CONTENTS. 

paper at Springfield that supports him ; prefers that it should 

assume an armed neutrality ; neither Reynolds nor Wilson 

have the germs of a statesman in them ; Kane has talents and 

does his best for his friends, - 472 

CHAPTER XXX. 

Letter of A. P. Field; writes in regard to the misconduct of his 
clerk, Mr. Posey ; denies showing the letters of Governor 
Edwards; letter of Duff Green; VanBuren desires Jackson to 
be a candidate for re-election ; his own opinion that Jackson 
will not be a candidate; Calhoun will be the candidate of the 
South and West ; " it is of great importance to defeat Kin- 
ney " ; while Kinney is running for governor as the Jackson 
candidate, the Jackson administration is stabbing him under 
the fifth rib ; letter of Hooper Warren ; drunken printers ; 
irregularity in issuing his paper ; struggle to get a bare sub- 
sistence for his family ; actually in a suffering condition ; 
regrets not having left Galena and gone into the country to 
raise a crop; no political excitement in Galena; apprehensive 
that his landlord may distrain for rent; bill for printing-paper 
unpaid; letter of George Forquer; has just returned from Taze- 
well County ; less opposition to Reynolds there than in any 
county he has been in; Reynolds and Kinney placed in oppo- 
sition on the land question; Reynolds for the measure of Gov. 
Edwards ; Kinney against it ; some of Kane's friends prepar- 
ing to make the senatorial election a question; proper to show 
that Kane is opposed to the land question, - - 486 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to the people of Illinois ; repels the 
attacks made upon him by Elias Kent Kane ; his previous 
triumph over combined power of Kane and Kinney's party; 
refers to his administration of State affairs and the reforms he 
has accomplished; all his promises carried out; invites Kane 
to decline being a candidate for the U. S. senate, and he will 
try titles with him as a candidate for Congress; would rather 



CONTENTS. XX1U 

"fall nobly than rise meanly"; his efforts to free the State 
from the aggressive misrule of the bank party; ridiculous effu- 
sions of Kinney ; no writer, but " stiff as steel-yards " ; has 
money enough to buy other people to write for him; the intense 
hostility of the bank party to him ; to antagonize the party was 
like poking one's head into a hornet's nest; defies his enemies 
to show a case when he has ever acted against the interest of 
the people ; thinks he can render greater service in the State 
than out of it, - - - - - 496 

CHAPTER XXXII. 

Letter of George Forquer; speculations as to the course of political 
policy that should be pursued; considers contest between Reyn- 
olds and Kinney for governor already decided; Kinney will beat 
Reynolds as far as Duncan beat him; both sides deceived as 
to their strength ; Wilson, Lockwood, Browne, Smith, Mather, 
and their satellites must be compelled to fight shoulder to shoul- 
der, or all sink or all swim ; advice as to the course to be pur- 
sued on the land question; serious thoughts of addressing the 
people on that subject, but his pecuniary situation admonishes 
him to cramp his political energies ; sometimes tempted to 
form the nucleus of a party of his own ; letter of Hooper 
Warren; embarrassments of the "Galena Advertiser"; Mr. 
Marsh, Judge Reynolds, Dr. Newhall, Dr. Philleo; Cooper, the 
journeyman -printer, goes to St. Louis; speech of Mr. Pettis; 
probable organization of Warren and McDonough counties ; 
death of Col. Abner Field; $36,000 of auditor's warrants said to 
be found in his possession; J. W. Stephenson appointed clerk 
in Field's place; he would have been defeated as a candidate for 
the legislature ; James A. Clark announced as a candidate in 
his place; letter of George Forquer; writes about his address 
to the people and on canal question; Kinney quite enough for 
us at one time ; " Kane and him will be at once against you 
and Reynolds " ; about Gov. Edwards being a candidate for 
the senate; the confusion that will result from a certain course 
of action; officers and soldiers taken by surprise; "a few gal- 



XXIV CONTENTS. 

lant souls out upon a forlorn hope, among whom please num- 
ber yours, sincerely, George Forquer"; another letter from George 
Forquer ; now the time to come forward and defend yourself ; 
J. M. Duncan's infamous handbill ; tells Reynolds that he 
must fight the battle more bravely; a coal put on Lockwood's 
back; "we must make Wilson, Lockwood, and their friends 
fight with us"; "shall publish Hall a base liar and a hired 
puppy " ; letter of Hooper Warren ; sends for ten reams of 
paper and only one ream comes; printing-office idle; distress 
for rent ; Dr. Philleo at the bottom of it ; clear case of biter 
bit; prospects brightening; finds means "to get a new barrel 
of flour"; gets his cow up from Springfield; letter of George 
Forquer; "three men in our party who have some courage"; 
should be backed up by echoing the warwhoop throughout the 
State ; the papers should cry out in tones of defiance ; " stun 
the other side and strike terror to their hearts." - 509 

CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Letter of Hooper Warren ; disappointed in not receiving printing- 
paper; reprinting Reynolds' handbills; Judge Young organizes 
Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties; Rock Island County 
to be organized next session; "any port in a storm"; ill-luck 
still pursuing him ; letter of Gov. Edwards to his two brothers ; 
suggestion as to writing about slavery ; strange defection of 
the Methodists in Madison County ; they are more afraid of 
Kinney than any five men in the State ; has advanced more 
money than all Reynolds' friends put together; makes sugges- 
tion as to conducting the canvass ; advises that Judge Smith 
be consulted; "too great a variety of matter weakens the effect 
of all " ; letter of Hooper Warren ; result of the election for 
governor in Jo Daviess County ; what was done before the 
election; "base electioneering ribaldry of J. W. Stephenson and 
Dr. Philleo"; Col. Wight believed to be elected to the senate; 
getting out the last handbill; Galena depopulating every day; 
a livery-stable keeper proposes to run a light wagon for passen- 
gers to Chicago ; account of a visit to Gen. McArthur at Chillicothe 



CONTENTS. XXV 

to see about land-warrant; letter of Elias Kent Kane; wants the 
letter of Gov Edwards in relation to the slavery of persons of 
color held n Illinois previous to 1787; letter of John Reynolds, 
written after his election as governor ; suggestions as to print- 
ers ; Warren doing nothing ; Galena no place at all, as low 
price of lead has ruined the country; $450 or $500 too much 
to pay for a house in Belleville; letter of A. P. Field; Kane 
electioneering with all his ingenuity ; wants to know whether 
Reynolds will continue him as secretary of state; much grati- 
fied that " our friends " have triumphed by so large a vote. 524 

CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Letter of Hooper Warren about the sale of the printing -material of 
the "Galena Advertiser"; whole family taken down with ague 
and fever ; recommends legal proceedings against Newhall, 
Philleo, and company; Dr. Newhall to go as a surgeon to Fort 
Winnebago; letter of Sidney Breese; his misgivings in regard 
to Judge Smith; Smith hand and glove with Kane after saying 
that he (Smith) had acted "like a dirty dog"; determined to make 
Gov. Reynolds choose between Smith and himself; Smith for 
himself first, then for Kane; can not plan, but can aid in exe- 
cuting; thinks Reynolds can be compelled to take sides; the 
"Crisis" to be proved a liar; letter of A. P. Field; promises 
to go to Vandalia; hopes some arrangements can be made to 
beat Kane ; letter of Duff Green ; Crawford and some of his 
followers playing off a deep game ; the veto alarming the per- 
sonal adherents of Gen. Jackson; believed Gen. Jackson will be 
a candidate for re-election ; " our friends " in the South have 
played a foolish part on the tariff, and Calhoun suffers; appoint- 
ments in Illinois a source of much anxiety to him ; Fleming 
as destitute of sense as of principle; Gov. John Pope of Arkan- 
sas fulfilling his anticipations; if he meddles with small things, 
he must leave the territory in disgrace ; warned him against 
his fall and protested against his going to Arkansas, - 540 

CHAPTER XXXV. 

Letter of David J. Baker; will be "highly gratified by a trip to Wash- 



XXVI CONTENTS. 

ington in the character of senator"; if appointed, "will repair to 
the post in time"; letter of Duff Green; thinks Mr. Kane will 
take an active part against him ; project on foot to drive Ing- 
ham and Branch from the cabinet; advice as to the course Gov. 
Edwards should pursue ; predicts an explosion in the cabinet, 
shaking Gen. Jackson's popularity to its foundation; the repre- 
sentation from Illinois should be united; letter of Hooper War- 
ren; negotiations about sale of the newspaper -establishment; 
Col. Wight and J. W. Stephenson attempt to form an associa- 
tion to buy the paper ; Major Campbell and Col. Wight going 
to Washington; doomed to stay in Galena another winter; has 
fixed on Chicago or its neighborhood as his future residence ; 
wants influence of Gov. Edwards in favor of Mr. Mills for 
judge ; a high compliment paid to Mills ; Philleo has got a 
"new gig and goes to Vandalia with the rest"; letters of David 
J. Baker; acknowledges the receipt of his appointment as sena- 
tor, and is admitted and qualified; Roberts writing letters to in- 
jure Gov. Edwards for having appointed him senator; an appoint- 
ment to the Indian agency; Kane to be numbered among Gov. 
Edwards' friends ; Joe Duncan and Kane not friendly at all ; 
Kane and himself go to see Mr. Ingham on the subject of the 
renomination of McKee for the land -office at Edwardsville ; 
letter of Elias Kent Kane in relation to a conversation with 
Duff Green; Mr. Baker, Governor Edwards' appointee for U. S. 
senator, behaves with prudence and like a man of good sense ; 
brief sketch of Elias Kent Kane; letter of Judge McL,ean; con- 
gratulates Gov. Edwards upon the reappointment of McKee; 
sad forebodings of the dissolution of the Union ; the political 
horizon at this place is overcast ; selfish considerations have 
too much influence in our public measures; wants to see the 
public mind tranquilized by acts of moderation and patriotism 
on all sides; enunciation of sound principles; the government 
established for the people and the officers of the government 
should never forget that they are the agents for the people; 
what Col. Benton once said in relation to members of Congress 
and officials at Washington, - 550 



CONTENTS. xxvii 

CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Letter of Duff Green ; removal of Blair to Washington ; the disa- 
, greement between the president and vice-president; his account 
of the controversy ; Gen. Jackson charging Mr. Calhoun with 
insincerity ; letters and statements implicating Mr. Crawford ; 
Dr. Philleo seeking a subagency and promising to buy out the 
"Galena Advertiser"; Dr. Philleo's connection with newspapers 
at Galena; the "Galena Advertiser", published by Newhall, 
Philleo & Co.; the " Galenian ", published by Dr. Philleo dur- 
ing the Black-Hawk War, "flaming accounts of battles fought 
and victories won " ; the establishment of the " Northwestern 
Gazette and Galena Advertiser"; the duel between John Turney 
and S. M. Bartlett; the "Northwestern Gazette" falls into the 
hands of H. H. Houghton, who has full editorial control of it 
for a quarter of a century; Mr. Houghton died April 30, 1879, 
being the oldest editor in the State; letter of John Reed; the 
"life member" of Congress from Massachusetts; letter of Duff 
Green; calls attention to correspondence between Mr. Calhoun 
and General Jackson on the subject of the Seminole campaign; 
General Robinson throwing himself into the arms of VanBuren 
and Kane; "come to Congress if you can"; letters of A. P. 
Field; proposes offering for Congress if Gov. Edwards does not 
desire to run; meets Breese on the stump at Lebanon; achieves 
a signal victory over him ; letter of John Reynolds ; writes from 
Beardstown during the Black-Hawk War; letter of William J. 
Gatewood ; writes in relation to the "great land question"; 
argues in favor of Gov. Edwards' proposition ; Mr. Gatewood, a 
representative from Gallatin County in the legislature in 1830-32, 
and twice elected senator from the same county, in 1834 and 1840; 
regarded as an able lawyer and a man of brilliant talents, 564 

CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Letter of John Shackford ; acknowledges receipt of letter of intro- 
duction to Gabriel Moore ; remarkable letter of Duff Green ; 
takes the part of Mr. Calhoun in his quarrel with Gen. Jackson ; 
severe denunciation of Gen. Jackson; charging him with using 
the patronage as a personal chattel to advance the private in- 
terests of a few dependents; if re-elected, will be rendered 
contemptable ; hopes for the rejection of VanBuren as minister 
to England; Jacksonism to become "a stench in the land"; letter 
of John Reynolds in relation to holding a State convention at 
Vandalia; wants Richard M.Johnson nominated for vice-presi- 
dent on the ticket with Jackson; letter of A. P. Field; wants 



XXViii CONTENTS. 

Gov. Edwards' influence in favor of Mr. Bennett as candidate 
for the State senate; letter of Elias Kent Kane in relation to 
appointments to "West Point ; letter of John M. Robinson in 
relation to the reduction of the price of public lands and on the 
tariff question; brief sketch of Gen. Robinson; elected United 
States senator to succeed John McLean, deceased; served two 
terms; subsequently elected judge of the Supreme Court; died 
in 1843; letter of David J. Baker; writes in regard to the con- 
gressional canvass ; greatly pleased at the prospects of Gov. 
Edwards in the upper counties ; what Breese is doing ; his 
dedication of his reports to Kane has disgusted many of his old 
friends; Judge Pope decidedly and unequivocally for Edwards 
for Congress ; Mather against him ; wants to be set right in 
regard to legislation purposed by him, authorizing the sale of 
public lands in forty-acre tracts, - 576 

CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Letter of John Reynolds, written during the Black-Hawk War from 
Fort Wilburn ; dissatisfaction of the people with him ; wants 
nothing from the people "other than common civility"; wishes 
his friends to be informed that he is "bullet proof"; cares 
nothing for slander and will bid a long farewell to public life, 
and live at home at peace ; letter of David J. Baker ; wants 
Gov. Edwards to publicly announce that he is a candidate for 
Congress; fears Breese may be stronger than supposed; letter 
of Mr. Baker to James Mitchell in relation to the canvass for 
Congress ; flattering prospects for a good vote in Randolph 
County; Gov. Edwards' address to the voters of the district; 
Burke or Fox could not have written so good a one; believes 
Edwards will be triumphantly elected; letters of A. P. Field; 
great necessity for Edwards being in the southern part of the 
district; would like to take the stump for Edwards, but money 
exhausted ; publishers of the Vandalia paper refuse to publish 
communications ; expects " to have a scrape with the darned 
rascals"; another letter of A. P. Field; wants to meet Breese 
and measure strength with him on the stump; letters of David 
J. Baker; writes of the progress of the congressional canvass; 
handbills to be sent over the district; writes after the election 
as to the causes of the defeat of Gov. Edwards; the canvass 
made by Slade ; wormed himself into the hearts of the people ; 
voters not committed to Breese stolen away by Slade ; the 
devil let loose against Gov. Edwards, - 589 

Index, -------- 601 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Letters of Henry Clay; a young lawyer; his clear statements about 
business; political speculations; candidate for Senate of Ken- 
tucky; portion of a letter of Mr. Clay lithographed; removal of 
Ninian Edwards to Kentucky; his election to Kentucky Legis- 
lature; admitted to practise law in Kentucky and Tennessee. 



LETTERS OF HENRY CLAY. 

Lexington, 9th July, 1800. 
Mr. Ninian Edwards;* 

Dear Sir: — At the request of Col. Hart, I take the 
liberty of answering your favor of the 1st instant, for 
which he feels himself very much obliged. 

He is happy to learn that you had recourse to attach- 
ments. And the court certainly did right in deciding 

* Ninian Edwards removed from Maryland to Kentucky in 1795, at the age 
of twenty years, and soon afterward engaged in the study of law in Nelson 
Co., in the latter State. Distinguished at that early age by his natural gifts 
and education, as well as by his popular manners, in less than one year, and 
before he became of age, he was elected to the Legislature of Kentucky from 
Nelson Co. ; and so satisfactorily did he discharge the duties of that position, 
that he was reelected to the same office the subsequent year. This was before 
he was admitted to the bar and while yet a student at law. In 1798, he was 
licensed to practise law in Kentucky, and in the following years was admitted 
to the courts of Tennessee. 

Removing to Russellville, Kentucky, he entered upon the practice of his 
profession. Among the earliest letters addressed to him as an attorney are 

2 



1 8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

against Pitts and Hunter. With respect to the books, 
notes, and accounts of Dromgole, I should imagine that 
attachments sued out against him, and the creditors sum- 
moned as garnishees would be the most speedy, as well as 
the safest remedy. No doubt can exist but that Drom- 
gole is completely within the description of an absconding 
debtor. As to the books of Dromgole & Co., I would 
recommend attachments against their creditors as gar- 
nishees also, provided in this measure you can obtain the 
concurrence of the other members of the company: the 
reason which you mention in favor of this mode of 
recovery, to wit that the statute of limitations could be 
obviated, since they would, upon their oaths, acknowledge 
the debts, would be alone sufficient to give it the prefer- 
ence. To remove any difficulty which may hereafter arise 
as to the evidence of the debts, I inclose you copies of 
the judgments. 

The sale of the property to Pitts was unquestionably 
illegal, and may be set aside upon motion to the court, 
which possesses a power of superintending the execution 
of its judgments and correcting errors which may happen, 

some from Henry Clay, in relation to some legal business in which his father- 
in-law, Colonel Hart, was interested. His first letter was dated at Lexington, 
July 9, 1800. All of these letters are here given at length. A portion of the 
first letter will also be found lithographed. It is interesting, as showing the 
character of Mr. Clay's handwriting at that period. It is a bold, clerkly 
hand, and quite different from the small and delicate handwriting in his later 
life. It is also interesting as showing his interest in political matters at that 
early age (he was then twenty-three years old). It is also interesting from the 
intention which he expresses of becoming a candidate for the clerkship of the 
Senate of Kentucky, and for the modest manner in which he states the 
grounds of his candidacy, one of which was that he had been a clerk in the 
office of the High Court of Chancery of Virginia, and had acted for some 
time as the amanuensis of the Chancellor. 



LETTER OE HENRY CLAY. 1 9 

The last section of the law regulating the mode of suing 
out attachments, expressly directs that goods attached 
shall be sold in the same manner as goods taken by virtue 
of a fi.fa., which can not be unless they are in the posses- 
sion of the sheriff 20 days after the writ is served (and by 
analogy after the order of court, which is the substitute of 
the writ, is given to him and he has, by virtue of it, taken 
the property), and after they have been advertised at least 
10 days at the court-house door, and the most public 
places in the county. Mr. Ewing, I presume, must have 
been unapprised of his duty; because as he has always 
discovered the greatest alacrity to serve Col. Hart, it 
would be ungenerous to ascribe a different motive. Be- 
sides what the law expressly requires, the practice, so far 
as my knowledge of it extends, has been invariable to 
retain the property 20 days before it is sold. The sale 
you will be good enough to set aside, and have the prop- 
erty sold again, and purchase it in, if it is likely to be 
sacrificed, for Col. Hart. In this, as in all other instances 
where property is sold, you will, by virtue of the power of 
attorney which is inclosed, be pleased to purchase it for 
Col. Hart, if it should be about to be sacrificed. And 
after you have made purchases, you will do with the prop- 
erty as is most for his advantage, either by selling it upon 
a credit, bartering it, or retaining it. 

The proposition of the bail is readily and cheerfully 
acceded to. Proceedings against them upon the scire 
facias shall be stopped, until the fate of their adventure 
is determined. And Col. Hart and myself will cooperate 
with them in any measures which may be deemed neces- 



20 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

sary to ensure success. With respect to the history of 
Dromgole's elopement, and certificates of the integrity 
and respectability of the bail, they must come from your 
quarter. From your knowledge of both, you will be the 
best person to furnish them, and other gentlemen, I sup- 
pose, will join in giving the certificates. The infamy of 
the character of the Alstons (the old man in particular) is 
well known to Col. Hart. He was long a resident of N. 
Carolina, and I believe there was no doubt there, but 
besides almost every other species of crime, he counter- 
feited every emission of paper-money which took place 
during his residence there. But depositions will go with 
more propriety and with greater effect from the neighbor- 
hood in which he last lived. These the bail, I presume, 
will procure. I have no doubt but that the governor will 
lend any aid in his power; more especially if he finds that 
your name is in the certificates. It might, perhaps, be 
better to authorize the bail to collect the debt in that 
country; but as Col. Hart is not sufficiently acquainted 
with them, to know whether they can be safely confided 
in, he leaves this entirely to your discretion. If they are 
invested with such a power, it will be most advisable to 
take security from them for a faithful exercise of it. 

With respect to Harrison's purchase of D's Tennessee 
land, there is no doubt upon your statement but that he t 
may be made to pay the amount of the purchase-money. 
And you are right in supposing a suit in chancery the 
proper remedy. This you will be good enough to bring 
immediately. Besides the other necessary statements, let 
the bill allege that the conveyance to Alston is fraudu- 






LETTER OF HENRY CLAY. 21 

lent; that it is for the benefit of Dromgole; that a sale 
was made by Dromgole to Harrison after the conveyance; 
and that he is to receive the purchase-money. The prayer 
• of the bill (in which Dromgole, Alston, and Harrison 
should all be made defendants) ought to be that Alston 
and Harrison may be enjoined and restrained from paying 
away, secreting, or otherwise disposing of any estate, 
debts, or effects in their hands belonging to Dromgole, 
until the further order of the court; that Alston be com- 
pelled to execute to Harrison a deed of conveyance for 
the land purchased by him of Dromgole; and that Har- 
rison be compelled to pay the purchase- money to the 
complainant. Upon the subpoena which issues, it is usual 
in such cases to make an indorsement to this effect: "To 
enjoin the defts. Harrison and Alston from paying away, 
secreting, or in any other manner desposing of the effects 
or estate in their hands belonging to Dromgole, or the 
debts by them owing to him; he being indebted to the 
complainant;" and if, after they are served with this 
notice, they pay away any debts they may owe to Drom- 
gole, or any of his effects in their hands, they are liable 
out of their own estates. At the return-day o( the sub- 
poena, an order of court should be made similar to the 
indorsement upon the subpoena. And you will obtain an 
order of publication against the non-residents. 

I am sorry that Gilbert is released at law. It appears 
upon an examination of the papers, that there is but one 
recognizance of the special bail forwarded. But the clerk 
has entered up in both suits that recognizances were filed. 
A confession of judgment (which took place in these suits) 



22 THE EDWARDS PArERS. 

is a discharge of the appearance bail; because his under- 
taking is that the deft, shall appear and give special bail, 
if ruled thereto. And a confession of judgment (which 
might have been prevented without special bail had been 
previously given) necessarily supposes an appearance, and 
if no special bail is given, it will be implied that none was 
required. But although he is discharged at law, I am in- 
clined to think equity will afford relief. It was certainly a 
mistake in the clerk to enter special bail in both causes, 
when a recognizance in one only had been filed. This 
mistake deceived the plaintiff's counsel, who would not 
have suffered a confession of judgment without special 
bail. Equity, therefore, will interfere and place the par- 
ties in the same situation in which they would have stood, 
had no mistake occurred. This reasoning, which I believe 
to be correct, in addition to what will, no doubt, suggest 
itself to you, may be employed with Gilbert to prevail on 
him to give his assistance. And if other attempts fail, we 
will try a suit in chancery against him. 

It is Col. Hart's wish that you shall be most amply 
compensated for your services in his business, which, I am 
persuaded, has already given you a great deal of trouble. 
You can, for this purpose, appropriate such sums, out of 
any money of his which may come to your «hands, as may 
be thought proper. 

You must certainly attend to any prior engagements 
which you may have made that interfere with Col. Hart's 
business. But where such an interference happens, he will 
be much obliged to you if you can get yourself released 
so as to appear for him. 



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LETTER OF HENRY CLAY. 23 

I received your note requesting me to appear for you in 
a suit against E. Holland. Mr. Brown had before put the 
papers into my hands, as he did not practice in Scott, 
where H. resides. I have brought suits, and if the records 
are properly authenticated, shall get judgments at the 
next August court; if they are not, I will inform you. 
H. says nothing is due; but he has a talent for lying. 

I am happy to hear that w T e are anxious for the election 
of the same president. It is now almost certainly ascer- 
tained that Mr. Jefferson will be elected. The election of 
representatives in New York has been in his favor, and he 
will, it is affirmed, certainly get every vote in that State. 
You have, no doubt, heard that Pickering is dismissed and 
McHenry resigned. The violent friends of administration 
seem to be quitting public service. Harper is no longer a 
candidate, and Sedgwick, the speaker, has also declined 
offering. 

Permit me to inform you that as Mr. Thurston declines 
offering for the clerkship of the senate, I shall, amongst 
many others, be a candidate for that office. Having lived 
in the clerk's office of the High Court of Chancery of 
Virginia, and acted some time as the amanuensis of the 
Chancellor, I have been induced to believe that I can dis- 
charge the duties of that orfice. Should you have it in 
your power to render me any service and think me deserv- 
ing it, I will be much obliged to you for the favor. 
I am, dear sir, 

yr. mo. ob., 

Henry Clay. 



24 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Lexington, 28th Feb., 1801. 
Dear Sir: — Yours of the 16th instant I received yester- 
day. With respect to the debt due from Dromgole to- 
Harrison, it is Col. Hart's wish that it may continue bound 
to him until the fate of his suits at Nashville shall be de- 
cided. This I presume may be done. He regrets that 
his execution against the McKeys should have arrived too 
late, but I enclose another. He does not wish to purchase 
their land, because he is so distant from it and is in such 
want of money that it would be no object to him. Col. 
Hart is pleased to hear of the prospect of some money 
being collected; nothing is so desirable to him at present. 
I am, dear sir, your most obedient, 

H. Clay. 

P. S. — You will be pleased to pay Mr. Caldwell such 
fees as may be legally due to him. 

Lexington, 4th July, 1801. 

Dear Sir: — In consequence of the verbal message 
which Col. Hart received from you by Mr. Frazier he has 
hitherto delayed sending for the money which you wrote 
him to send for. I have lately engaged in a very expensive 
building and to assist me in this undertaking Col. Hart has 
given me one-half of Dromgole's debt. 

My wants are therefore very pressing, as indeed are his. 
I trust you will, my dear sir, do what you possibly can to 
assist us. Mr. Tevis is sent by us for the special purpose 
of receiving what you can raise, and to endeavour to draw 
this very troublesome business to a close. 

In your last you said nothing relative to the attachment 



LETTERS OF HENRY CLAY. 25 

against Harrison. Be pleased to let me know whether this 
debt is likely to be secured. Mr. Tevis will proceed on 
from Logan to Nashville for the purpose of seeing if any 
thing can be done with Dromgole, and if you can give him 
any information which may be serviceable to him, you will 
oblige us. 

Col. Hart has been lately informed that Mr. Price agreed 
to release Mr. Jones and take Mr. Reading for one-third of 
the debt due from Dromgole & Company. Will you be 
good enough to examine the mortgage from Mr. Reading 
to Sam'l Price & Co.? It is either in Mr. Ewing the late 
sheriff's possession or recorded in Logan Court. 

Should it throw any light upon this subject be pleased 
to forward it or a copy. Yrs, Henry Clay. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq., 
Logan Courthouse. 

Lexington, 25th Dec, 1801. 

Dear Sir: — Col. Hart placed your letter some short 
time after he received it in my hands to be answered. 
From a variety of causes, of business, absence from home, 
&c, better conceived than described, I have hitherto omit- 
ted, what I now set down to do, to write you an answer. 

Inclosed is an execution against Hendley Russell. I 
thought that one might have been obtained against Stewart 
also. But to my surprise when I applied for it I found 
that the scire facias was not executed upon him. And 
have therefore sent an alias, to the service of which be 
pleased to attend. 

Should any property of Russell be taken you will be 
pleased to advise Col. Hart or me of it, and whether it 



26 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

would be advantageous for him to purchase it. It is un- 
necessary to observe how solicitous he is to get as much as 
possible of this debt, and that you should urge payment 
from Harrison & Blackburn. 

Col. Hart and myself have supposed that six per cent 
upon the amount of what you have or may collect for him, 
together with a fee of 30/ for every case in which you shall 
have appeared for him, either before a jury in the country, 
or in court, would be a sufficient compensation for your 
services, which have been so useful to him. The usual 
commission in this part of the country is five per cent, but 
he supposes six ought to be allowed you in consideration 
of extraordinary trouble. You will be good enough to say 
whether you think your services will be sufficiently re- 
warded. 

An order of court has been made in the suit against 
Dromgole in Tennessee requiring the production by Col. 
Hart of the mortgages, given by Dromgole, Ayers Stewart, 
and William Reading. They are I believe all recorded in 
the office of Logan. You will be good enough to obtain 
copies of them, or of such as may be there, and send them 
to John Overton, Esq. I will thank you also to send me a 
copy of the one given by Mr. Reading, and to jog that 
gentleman's memory about paying his proportion of the 
debt, for which it seems Dromgole is about to contend for 
a credit. 

I believe I some time ago informed you that Ephraim 
Holland had filed a bill of injunction against Edward 
Gwinn. Inform me to whom I shall send it to procure an 
answer. 



LETTER OF HENRY CLAY. 2J 

A friend of mine, Francis Brooke, Esq., in Virginia, feels 
extremely solicitous to have some land of his in your 
quarter of the country remarked and processioned, so as 
to preserve the boundaries against fraud or accident. He 
has written to me to have it accomplished if possible for 
him. I must trouble you so far as to ascertain whether you 
can get it done. Mr. Reading I suppose can do it. I 
should prefer he would to any other person. I will thank 
you to speak to him and know whether he can do it and 
write me what he will charge by post. They are two tracts 
of iooo acres each, one lying on Cliff Creek, a branch of 
the Ohio, surveyed in 1785. The other on the waters of 
Poagues Creek, surveyed in 1785 also. Copies of the 
boundaries shall hereafter be sent. Perhaps if Mr. Reading 
cannot some other person can be procured to do it. Be 
pleased to attend to this for me particularly. 

I am, dear sir, yours with esteem, H. CLAY. 

P. S. — You will find inclosed an assignment of the exe- 
cution against McKey. H. C. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Att° at Law, 

Russell ville. 



CHAPTER II. 

Letter of Matthew Lyon; the letter lithographed; candidate for sec-> 
retary of Upper Louisiana Territory; proposal to annex that 
Territory to Indiana Territory; Georgia Cession; Mr. Randolph 
opposed to it; the career of Matthew Lyon; elected to Congress 
from Vermont and Kentucky; Ninian Edwards candidate for 
Congress against Matthew Lyon; the ability and elevated tone 
of his speeches; appointed judge, he withdraws from the can- 
vass; Lyon candidate for delegate to Congress from Missouri 
Territory, but defeated by Edward Hempstead; elected a dele- 
gate from Arkansas Territory; dies before taking his seat; 
his sons-in-law, Dr. Caldwell and John Messenger, prominent 
men in early times in Illinois; letter of Hon. John Pope of 
Kentucky to Governor Edwards; his free criticisms on public 
men, particularly John Randolph; Matthew Lyon "turned fed."; 
the public service of John Pope ; his ability and force of charac- 
ter; a visit of the writer to Washington in 1840; a description 
of some members of Congress at that time; Zadoc Casey, John 
Reynolds, and John T. Stuart the members from Illinois; An- 
other letter of Hon. John Pope; his philosophical speculations; 
good advice. 



LETTER OF MATTHEW LYON * 

Washington, Feb'y ioth, 1804. 
DEAR Sir: — Your favor of the 18th ult. came to hand 
yesterday. I am sorry my letter from here did not reach 

* The next letter which is presented and lithographed is one from Matthew 
Lyon, who was somewhat notorious, if not celebrated, in his day and genera- 
tion. Lyon was an Irishman, who immigrated to America in 1759, and 
founded the town of Fairfield, Vermont, in 1783. This was the town in 
which Chester A. Arthur was born. He served two terms in Congress from 




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LETTER OF MATTHEW LYON. 29 

you before you dispaired of hearing from me, not so much 

on Doctor Catlet's account as some other considerations. 

When I came here I had in view to recommend the 

Doctor for the place of secretary of the new territory to 

Vermont from 1797 to 1801. In January, 1798, an ineffectual effort was made 
to expell him from the House for having spat in the face of Roger Griswold, 
a member from Connecticut, who became governor of that State from 181 1 to 
1813. In October, 1798, Lyon was tried and convicted in Vermont for pub- 
lishing a letter calculated "to stir up sedition, and bring the president and the 
government of the United States into contempt." He was found guilty and 
sentenced to be imprisoned for four months, to pay the costs and a fine of 
$1000. The fine with interest was afterward refunded by Congress to his heirs. 
In 1799, Matthew Lyon left Vermont to settle in Kentucky, accompanied 
by his family and two sons-in-law, John Messenger and Dr. George Caldwell. 
Both of these gentlemen afterward (in 1802) settled in Illinois. Dr. Caldwell 
became a prominent citizen in this State and was a member of the State Sen- 
ate from Madison County in 181 8, and voted against the convention resolution. 
In 1803, Lyon "broke into Congress" from Kentucky, and served until 181 1. 
John Messenger was a man of some note and was a member of the first State 
legislature from St. Clair County. Mr. Edwards became a candidate for Con- 
gress in 1806, and entered upon the canvass as against Lyon. In a speech in 
that canvass which has survived, one can but be struck with its ability and 
elevation of tone. In closing the speech, he says : 

"I am anxious to attain the honor of serving my country. I have endeav- 
ored to qualify myself for it. But I am not deserving to attain this honor by 
any other than the most honorable means. I can never sacrifice my integrity, 
my ideas of propriety, or my independence to procure it. I do most sincerely 
wish your approbation, but I only wish it upon proper principles. The best 
criterion for judging the character of a man is by his acts. " 

Before the election took place, Mr. Edwards having been appointed judge 
of the Court of Appeals, he declined to be any longer a candidate. Lyon 
left Kentucky and settled in the territory of Arkansas. Not satisfied with 
having represented two States in Congress, he was elected the first delegate 
from Arkansas Territory, but died before taking his seat, in August, 1822. 
IUmight be added that he went to St. Louis in 181 1, and in 1812 became a 
candidate for delegate to Congress from Louisiana Territory, but was beaten 
by Edward Hempstead. Matthew Lyon had a son, Chittenden Lyon, who 
was a member of Congress from Kentucky for three terms, the last of which 
expired March 3d, 1835. He died in Caldwell County, Kentucky, Novem- 
ber 8th, 1842. 



30 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

be formed in upper Louisiana. There are so many candi- 
dates that I had almost given it up. The talk now is to 
annex to Indiana Territory for the present all down to N. 
Madrid, below that until it comes opposite to Fort Adams 
to the Natchez Territory so form but one new Territorial 
Government. 

The Doctor's concern with victualing the army has led 
him to wish for an appointment of surgeon's mate, for this 
I wanted no additional interest and was happy accidentally 
to find John T. Mason capable of giving his character. 
Should I think of any thing further for him I may apply 
to Mr. Wirt. 

Georgia cession has occupied Congress the three last 
days and the question, (which is, shall our Commissioners 
proceed with the compromise) is not yet taken. Mr. Ran- 
dolph says no; he had rather give it back to the Indians; 
he had rather the U. S. should lose the whole in a law suit ; 
he had rather call out the National force and spend the 
National Treasure to defend it. Other Southern members 
say they don't wish for the compromise, they are satisfied 
to have the country lie uncultivated. 

I fancy that the Southern gentry begin to be alarmed 
for their markets ; they begin to see that in proportion as 
the Western country grows in population and industry, 
their markets for tobacco, flour, and cotton will be over- 
stocked ; the Northern people want our cotton, hemp, and 
lead, and they don't care how much other produce we have 
to spare as they intend to be the carrier. 

The horrid kind of government first proposed for the 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 3 1 

new acquired Territory may perhaps be imputed to this 
jealousy. I am, sir, with great respect, 

your very humble servant, M. LYON. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards. 



LETTERS OF JOHN POPE* 

January 9th, 1808. 
Dear Sir: — I received yours of the 14th December. I 
sincerely regret your ill-health as well on account of the 
delay of business in the Court as yourself personally. I 
will attend to Ficklin's business and on to-morrow will 
see the secretary of the navy with whom I am very gra- 
cious. Your friend Rowan is very much disliked by the 
republicans, almost despised. He has fallen -far short of 
expectation on the score of talents. He has indeed made 

* The place from which this letter was written was not given, but was 
undoubtedly Springfriend, Kentucky, which was the residence of Mr. Pope. 
He served as United States senator from Kentucky for one term, from 1807 
to 1 813; and was afterward territorial governor of Arkansas from 1829 to 
1835. Returning to Kentucky, he was three times elected to Congress, end- 
ing his service March 3, 1843. He was a man of great ability and force of 
character. I heard him make a speech in the House of Representatives in 
March, 1840. He was then a whig. He lost his right arm in youth by an 
accident, and wrote with his left hand. 

It was at the time of this visit of mine at Washington, March, 1840, that 
the New-Jersey contested-election cases were under discussion in the House 
of Representatives. It was a time of intense political excitement, as the cam- 
paign between VanBuren and Harrison had been fully entered upon. R. M. 
T. Hunter of Virginia was speaker of the House. The House of Represen- 
tatives at that time was a very able one, containing many of the most distin- 
guished men in the country. The debate was participated in by Millard 
Fillmore and Daniel D. Barnard of New York, Truman Smith of Connecti- 
cut, George Evans of Maine, William J. Graves of Kentucky, George N. 
Briggs and John Quincy Adams of Massachusetts, Mark A. Cooper of Geor- 
gia, Edward G. Stanley of North Carolina, and John M. Botts and Henry A. 



32 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

out but tolerable in debate. He will never have much in- 
fluence in a legislative assembly. He has neither elo- 
quence nor judgment for such a situation. He can only 
shine before a jury or in conversation. He is completly 
redeemed from the reputation of a great man or a repub- 
lican. Key of Maryland, Dana of Connecticut, are able 
men, and respected by the republicans although in the op- 
position ; Berent Gardenier from New York, a high- 
toned fed., and Rowan are very much disliked. Randolph* 
is a correct, elegant and interesting speaker, but not able 
or argumentative. He has no pretensions to the character 
of a statesman. He seems merely to annoy and find fault. 
He is a little, ill-natured, malignant, overbearing, elec- 
tioneering, and on some occasions contemptible man in 

Wise of Virginia, on the one side, and by George C. Dromgoole of Virginia, 
Alexander Duncan and William Medill of Ohio, David Petrikin of Penn- 
sylvania, Hopkins L. Turney of Tennessee, and Francis E. Rives of Virginia, 
and others, on the opposite side. 

One of the characters in the House at this time was David Petrikin of 
Danville, Pa. He was a vehement democrat; a small man, dressed in 
rather a seedy suit of Quaker-cut clothes, and wearing a long queue. He 
was almost always on the floor on some question. 

The members of Congress from Illinois at that time were Zadoc Casey, 
John Reynolds, and John T. Stuart. I heard the Old Ranger make one of 
his peculiar speeches, which, for its quaint expressions and delivery, excited 
much laughter in the House. It was only in 1843 that I made the acquaint- 
ance of Hon .John T. Stuart, then, as in 1840, a Whig member of Con- 
gress. I had the honor of serving with Mr. Stuart, who was a democratic 
member of the 38th Congress. From 1843, there has existed the strongest 
feelings of personal friendship between us. It was in that winter of 1843, 
when at Washington on my return from New England to Galena — my then 
place of residence — that Mr. Stuart insisted that I should not make that long, 
cold journey without taking his buffalo-robe. It kept me from freezing to 
death on the night of the 10th of February, 1843, when passing over the 
prairie from Princeton to Dad Joe's Grove. 

* Undoubtedly John Randolph of Roanoke. 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 33 

debate. His attack on Wilkinson, although it has done 
him no credit here will procure him some momentary ap- 
plause in our country. The object of it is certainly to 
injure the administration; a court of inquiry is ordered by 
the President which will commence its sittings next week. 
I hope all treasons and conspiracies will be exploded and 
the body politic purged of all its rotten members so far at 
least as to have them exposed. Mr. Lyon has turned fed., 
at least he opposes the administration; he has been disap- 
pointed in some contracts he wished to make with govern- 
ment for the saline licks, and expects by lessening the 
popularity of the administration to injure Madison, to 
whom he is opposed as the next president, and thereby 
benefit old Clinton our Vice-President, who is Madison's 
competitor. A large majority of the republicans are I be- 
lieve in favour of Madison. I am decidedly and if you 
are let me solicit you to become an elector and prepare the 
public mind as early as possible to hail this enlightened 
statesman and virtuous republican as their next chief- 
magistrate. Warden Pope will offer. I believe also 
Trimble. Monroe will not be voted for. I am very much 
gratified that my Green-river bill has had the desired 
effect, and that the bank promises to fulfil the predictions 
of its friends. 

If you could make it suit you to come to Congress I am 
satisfied you would be pleased with it. I have no doubt 
but that you could lead the republicans if you were now 
a member. Your wages would support you if you should 
bring your lady with you. Matthew Lyon wrote a letter 
for publication against the 'embargo, which induced me to 
3 



34 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

come out in its favour. I wrote in haste and fear I was 
guilty of some inaccuracies. Please to write me how it is 
relished. About two-thirds of the members of the House 
of Representatives are decided and firm supporters of the 
administration, nearly one-fourth federal and a few, per- 
haps ten or twelve, trimming, quiddical fellows. A man 
must be the one thing or the other to be influential or 
useful. The Senate is divided in the same manner. The 
republicans are rather stronger in the Senate. Partyism 
has its limits; a man should never sacrifice a great princi- 
ple at the shrine of party, but he must not be too nice or 
squeamish upon subordinate questions. 

Please to have my address to the people published in 
the Bairdstown and Russellville papers, but don't let it be 
understood that it was done at my request. 

I shall be pleased to hear from you as often as con- 
venient. 

Please to write me the names of a few characters in the 
Green -river country to whom it would be adviseable for 
me to drop a line and enclose a newspaper. I have em- 
barked in political life and mean to make a business of it. 
I occupy much higher ground here both on the score of tal- 
ents and republicanism than either you or myself expected, 
except Breckenridge no man from the West ever had more 
popularity in Congress. I don't know how long I may 
hold it. This letter is very confidential which, when you 
have perused, commit to the flames without showing it to 
any person. Your friend and relative, J. POPE. 

Nota bene. — Rowan disclaims party, but the republicans 
disown him and the feds certainly claim him. These 



LETTERS OF JOHN POPE. 35 

remarks are intended for yourself and not for circulation. 
There are enough to tell on us without our telling on each 
other. I wish very much to inspire confidence in the ad- 
ministration at the present crisis on account of our foreign 
relations as well as Western treasons and conspiracies. In 
proportion to the diminution of public confidence in the 
administration will the spirit of disunion grow. It has 
been checked but not extinguished. Wilkinson is the 
hobby-horse to disaffect the people of the West and to 
ride down the present administration. It will not succeed. 
Rose, the British envoy, has not arrived. I can tell you 
nothing on the subject of war. 

Your friend and relative, JOHN Pope. 

January 9th, 1808. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Now near Bairdstown, Kentucky. 

Senate Chamber, Dec 8. 1808. 
Dear Sir: — I have only to inform you that a bill is 
now before us for more effectually enforcing the embargo, 
which will pass, and an effort will be made to give the 
system a fair experiment. In the meantime every prepar- 
ation will be made for war, which I fear is inevitable. It 
is impossible to calculate the effect of the embargo system. 
It will, it must be adhered to for the present. I hope 
it will prove efficient. By the spring some important 
changes may take place in Europe which may have an in- 
fluence on our foreign relations. A competent force will 
be immediately sent to Orleans which will afford an addi- 
tional market for the pork and flour, &c. of the Western 



2,6 THE EDWARDS PAFERS. 

country. I will write you weekly. Our Legislature must 
support us. Your friend and relative, 

John Pope. 
You must be careful not to intimate any doubts of mine 
of the efficiency of the embargo. J. P. 

New York, Nov. 9th, 1809. 
Dear Sir: — I have made the tour of New England 
and am thus far on my return to Washington, where I ex- 
pect to arrive about the 19th or 20th instant. I received 
yours of the 30th August and 2nd of September on yes- 
terday ; they were forwarded to me at this place. I am 
very happy to find that you and my brother are likely to 
harmonise on the administration of the new-government. 
Nothing gives me so much uneasiness as discord and feel- 
ing among my relations. We have enemies enough to 
contend with without making war upon or detracting from 
each other. I love the man of philanthrophy and uni- 
versal benevolence. If we could all learn to view man- 
kind upon so large a scale as to consider the whole human 
race as one community and to consider it the duty of each 
to identify himself with the whole; the selfish, unjust, and 
arbitiary policy of nations with regard to each other would 
cease; war would be forever no more; our swords would 
be turned into pruning hooks, our guns into plough shares; 
mankind would soon be blessed with the promised millen- 
nium. Indeed in my contemplative moments I sometimes 
indulge myself with the imaginary hope that the Supreme 
Being has raised up two monsters, the one with cruel 
despotic rule on the water the other on the land to scourge 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 37 

all nations to such a degree as to make them all hate war 
and to love justice and peace. I fancy that they will be 
taught this lesson, the only one necessary to make man- 
kind virtuous and happy; that the happiness and pros- 
perity of every man is intimately connected with that of 
his neighbor; that his happiness and welfare is promoted 
and secured rather by the prosperity than the depression 
of his neighbors; that the commerce, prosperity, and hap- 
piness of each nation is increased not diminished by the 
depression of other nations. This social principle of lov- 
ing our neighbors as ourselves, inculcated by Christianity, 
would redeem mankind from the innumerable evils with 
which they are afflicted and fill the measure of human 
felicity. Although, like the practical politician, I am not 
averse to a little theory and agreeable speculation. I have 
not entire confidence in the doctrine of human perfecti- 
bility, but it is certainly laudable to approach it as nearly 
as possible. When we retrospect the last forty years and 
consider the astonishing revolution in morals, intellect, &c, 
which has taken place in a very large portion of the globe, 
why not anticipate a progressive improvement? Why not 
improve in the science of government and human happiness 
as well as in chemistry, physic, and law? Evil or error is 
rarely corrected when combined with a reasonable portion 
of good. Mankind generally cannot trace or explore evil 
or error in all its ramifications or the causes which pro- 
duce it. They must be taught by experience. They are 
convinced through the medium of the senses, virtue, gen- 
erosity, &c; when exhibited in a lovely, striking manner 
sometimes subdue vice, meanness, &c; and vice, meanness 



3$ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

when represented in all their deformity sometimes reform 
the worst of mankind. War and despotism upon the land 
and water now oppress almost every people on the globe. 
The whole world will, I hope, from experience soon be 
convinced of the evil, and correct it. The consequences 
will soon recoil on the nations which produced those 
monsters and they will rise and destroy them. Then, and 
not till then, can we hope to hail the millennium. Until 
that period arrives each nation must consider itself a dis- 
tinct community and act upon the principle of self-pre- 
servation, taking care however by its example to teach 
other nations to love peace and justice, and thereby hasten 
that blissful aera. That the social christian principle 
which makes the good and the wise man identify himself 
with his neighbors should, at least, pervade the Ameri- 
can empire, is the first and most ardent wish of my heart, 
but until that is the case every man, with a view to the 
public good, must connect himself in some slight degree 
with a political party and for the sake of his own political 
preservation and usefulness with minor parties, &c. We 
must, therefore, in the present state of things, identify 
ourselves with those allied to us by ties of blood and such 
others as we can rally around us by all honorable means, 
observing at the same time that liberal course which, while 
it will have a good effect on society, will fill our bosoms 
with pleasant heavenly sensations, and what more imme- 
diately influences human action, will strengthen our own 
party. I will not yield to the present current of my mind 
and feelings by intruding on this subject, but say a few, 
and but very few words on the subject of your letter. 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 39 

You attach too much importance to your errors, if guilty 
of any. No written communications can be made to 
the President. Of course, I cannot show him your let- 
ter; but can to the secretary of state, through whose 
department everything must go to the President The 
subordinate affairs of your territory will excite but little 
interest at Washington unless something meritricious or 
outrageously wrong should be committed. I stand too 
strongly pledged to the executive for your capacity, politics, 
&c, for anything to be done or listened without consulting 
me or having some strong evidence against you. They 
don't lend a very eager ear to complaints against their 
officers. Obey your own judgment and sense of pro- 
priety; stand well with intelligent impartial men; pursue 
a course that will bear retrospection, and you have noth- 
ing to apprehend. Your view of your administration ap- 
pears very satisfactory. Without intending to censure 
you as a public officer, I must be permitted with my usual 
frankness to doubt the wisdom of your course as it re- 
gards yourself. It is probable that I should have ap- 
proved it if on the spot. I think you have discovered too 
strong a disposition to compromise with the parties and to 
avoid responsibility. This policy I have in some instances 
pursued myself and am now convinced that I erred. It 
would have been better to have assumed the responsibility 
and made all your officers and their connections and friends 
your friends. Disappointed candidates will soon leave 
the territory, and their clamour, if you had appointed pro- 
per characters, would have lasted but for a moment. 
Those you appointed would have been fastened to the soil 



40 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

and formed rallying points for their friends and connec- 
tions in other places who might be disposed to emigrate. 
I don't know whether the remark applies to your course, 
but experience has convinced me that a man ought not to- 
cool his friends by compromising with his or their enemies. 
I doubt the propriety of requiring the militia to elect 
unless it was to be a law or uniform rule and binding on the 
Governor. You will be responsible for the appointments. 
Suppose they elect an improper person, could you justify 
it to yourself or the government to appoint him ? I make 
these suggestions, they are unprepared, of the moment, 
and may be very incorrect, without indending to convince. 
Your course would appear to be fair, and calculated to 
give satisfaction; but I give it as my most decided 
opinion that it will be more correct and better policy 
to assume the responsibility. I am sorry you removed 
Rector and appointed Morrison, although you acted cor- 
rectly. The Rectors are honest men and would have been 
your firm friends. Morrison I know to be a scoundrel and 
will not be your friend unless you do the hundredth good 
turn and is identified with a party which will require more 
of you than you can do for them. Robert Morrison pro- 
fessed to be a friend to Nat. Pope, although Nat. would 
not speak to his brother, and clandestinely signed a peti- 
tion to the executive containing some very strong repre- 
sentations against him. This I have not communicated to 
Nat. Pope, nor can I consent that you should give him the 
slightest intimation of it. I saw the paper with his signa- 
ture; it was shown me by a friend who would be unwilling 
to have his name used. Please to show this letter, except 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 41 

what relates to Morrison, to Nat. Pope; from his letters to 
me and yours I presume you can have no objection. I 
will write you from Washington on some other subjects, 
I shall reach there about the 20th instant. I have been 
much gratified by my tour. The reaction is very tranquil, 
and not the least expectation of war with any party where 
I have been. I hope to see you all next summer. Happi- 
ness attend you and yours. Your friend, 

John Pope. 
This letter is written in haste in the public dining-room; 
you will therefore excuse anything amiss. J. P. 

His Excl. N. Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territorv. 



CHAPTER III. 

Letter of Shadrach Bond, Jr.; his complaint of Maj. Whiteside; 
declines to enter into a contest with him; sketch of Mr. Bond; 
his energy, judgment, and sound common-sense; called "Cap- 
tain Bond"; his case like that of Chief -Justice Marshall, who 
was called "General Marshall"; his early residence in Illinois 
Territory; member of the General Assembly of the Northwest- 
ern Territory and afterward of the Indiana Territorial Legislature ; 
first delegate to Congress from Illinois Territory; first governor 
of the State of Illinois; removes from the American Bottom to 
Kaskaskia; the house he built there, now in the last stages 
of dilapidation; his death on April 14, 1830; his remains 
removed to Chester; the State erects a monument to his 
memory; description of him by Governor Reynolds; letter of 
Albert Gallatin ( fac-simile ) in relation to the United States 
Salines; sketch of Mr. Gallatin; his long and honorable public 
career; letter of John J. Crittenden; appointed by Governor 
Edwards attorney-general for Illinois Territory; the appoint- 
ment declined; his long and distinguished career in public life; 
letter of H. Butler about the Salines; letter of William Wal- 
lace on the same subject; letter of Acting -Governor Frederick 
Bates of Missouri Territory; letter of Lieut. Price, from Fort 
Massac; description of the old military post; letter of Thomas 
T. Crittenden resigning the office of attorney-general of Illinois 
Territory; letter of Governor Benjamin Howard of Missouri 
Territory. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND, JR.* 

St. Clair County, July 2nd, 1809. 
Dear Sir: — Since I parted with you at Kaskaskia I 

* It was on the nth of June, 1809, that Ninian Edwards took the oath of 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND, JR. 43 

have thought seriously on the subject of Major Whiteside's 
petition as well as his letter of complaint to you. He 
states that Governor Harrison made the appointment of 
colonel solely for the purpose of political views, and that 
he addressed him for redress signed by a respectable ma- 
office, and entered upon the duties of governor of Illinois Territory. This 
letter of Governor Bond was written only a short time thereafter. He signed 
himself "Shadrach Bond, Jr.," although the name of his father was Nicholas 
Bond. He added the junior to his name at this time to distinguish himself 
from his uncle, Shadrach Bond, with whom he resided in the American Bot- 
tom. His residence at the time this letter was written was on his farm in 
what is now Monroe County. This county was constituted in 1816, and taken 
out of the counties of St. Clair and Randolph. Mr. Bond was a man of 
great energy, good judgment, and sound common-sense, but his education had 
been very limited, and the letters written by -him show him to have been 
somewhat illiterate. He was a man of active mind and great enterprize. He 
served as a ranger under the rank of captain in the War of 1812. And it 
was as " Captain Bond " that he was known and called by his old friends and 
acquaintances, even after he had been elected governor. This was somewhat 
as in the case of Chief- Justice Marshall. In a speech of the Hon. Thomas 
Haynes Bayly of Virginia, which I heard him make in the 33d Congress, in 
speaking of Chief-Justice Marshall, he apologized for calling him General 
Marshall, for he said that was the title he went by to the day of his death by 
his old neighbors and friends in Forquier County, Virginia. They preferred 
the old and familiar title of general, which he had acquired after the close of 
the Revolutionary War, to the illustrious title of chief-justice of the Supreme 
Court of the United States. 

Mr. Bond was born in Maryland in 1773, and emigrated to Illinois in 1794. 
He was a member of the Indiana Territorial Legislature before Illinois was 
set off as a distinct territory; but he never appears to have been a member of 
the Legislature of either the Territory or State of Illinois. He had, however, 
it is very evident, much popularity and consideration with the people of Illi- 
nois at that time, for he was elected first governor of the State in 1818 without 
any practical opposition. At that time the duties of the office of governor 
were comparatively limited and unimportant, but he seems to have discharged 
all of them honestly and faithfully. He was elected the first delegate to Con- 
gress from the territory and took his seat on the 3d of December, 18 12. He 
resigned in 1814, to take the office of Receiver of Public Moneys at Kaskas- 
kia. It was at this time that he removed from his farm on the American 
Bottom to Kaskaskia, and settled on a farm near the village. He built a large 
two- story brick house, with broad verandas around it, after the Southern 



44 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

jority of the officers, which I suppose to be such a ma- 
jority as he has to the petition addressed to Governor 
Boyle and handed to yourself. There are several names 
to the petition who are not officers. Samuel S. Kennedy 
was commissioned as a captain of a grenadier company 

fashion. Of a generous disposition and jovial spirit, his home was the seat of 
an old-fashioned hospitality. It was here that he resided before and during 
the time that he was governor, and until his death, April 14th, 1830. 

This house, built upon his farm, a mile and a half from the village of Kas- 
kaskia, commodious and elegant for the time, and the theatre of many interest- 
ing political events, has long since been abandoned, and is now in the last 
stages of dilapidation. The wooden verandas have all rotted away, the doors 
and windows have been taken out; but enough remains to show the numerous 
large and convenient rooms in the house at the time when it was built. The 
house, now surrounded by bushes and weeds and grass, presents a picture of 
desolation sad to look upon. * 

After serving out his term of office in 1822, Governor Bond became a can- 
didate for Congress in 1824, against Daniel P. Cook. He ran as a friend of 
Mr. Crawford, but Mr. Cook beat him by more than 3000 votes, in a total 
vote of about 12,000. 

Governor Bond was buried at Kaskaskia, but his remains have recently been 
removed to Chester, and the State, out of gratitude and respect, has just 
erected a monument to the memory of its first governor. The first public 
service of Shadrach Bond was that of member of the General Assembly in 
the second grade of territorial government for the Northwestern Territory. 
This body met at Cincinnati on the 4th day of February, 1789. He was 
elected from St. Clair Co., while John Edgar was elected from Randolph Co. 

Governor Reynolds in his "Pioneer History of Illinois," first published in 
1852, one of the most original and amusing histories ever written, and yet full 
of information and anecdote, all mixed up together without order or method, 
pays a glowing compliment to Governor Bond, and paints him in fantastic 
characters; describing his personal appearance, he says: "he was six feet tall, 
person erect, bearing dignified, noble, and commanding; complexion dark; 
hair a glossy jet black; eyes large, brilliant, and of a hazel color." Continu- 
ing his description, he says : " With such character as Bond possessed, and 
with his fine person, he was a great favorite with the ladies. Yet his gallan- 
tries, although many, were always circumscribed with propriety. He pos- 
sessed the capital in this branch of business, but never traded in it to any 
great extent. " Bond County was named after him. 

* Personal observation. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND, JR. 45 

which was about to be raised some two or three years 
before he was commissioned; after he had the commission, 
those men, or a number of them, refused to muster under 
him, and he never raised a company after he was qualified, 
as the law directs. From these circumstances it strikes 
me he can not be considered as an officer of the regiment. 
John Newman, Robert Whiteside, and David Whiteside 
(whose names are to the petition) have never been commis- 
sioned in any case whatever to my knowledge. Now, sir, 
to leave Kennedy out of the regiment as an officer, without 
counting Major Whiteside or myself, on this side of the 
mouth of the Illinois river, there are twenty-nine officers, 
thirteen of which have signed the petition ; this leaves a 
balance of sixteen which have not signed, though they 
have been called on either by Major Whiteside or his son, 
Uel. Though they have not an equal number of officers, 
yet they will represent to your excellency that a respecta- 
ble majority of the officers have signed the petition. I 
refer you to Mr. Pope's list of officers to prove my asser- 
tion. As it is not to be expected that yju can be well 
acquainted with the character of Mr. Whiteside, I shall 
send you the certificate of Thomas Todd, Esq., which will 
enable you to judge whether or not Whiteside has been 
that terror to Desouganinors as represented in his petition. 

•& %: -3fc % 3fc 

* * * * 

* . These with other reasons I believe in- 
duced Governor Harrison to give me the appointment 
over Whiteside. As I never wish to brake on the charac- 
ter of any man, I am sorry to be compelled to do it now ; 



46 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

nor would I but to show your excelleney the character of 
the man which you propose for me to go into an election 
with for the Col. appoint. Altho' I should be under no 
apprehensions but that I should have a large majority of 
the people in my favour, yet I can not condesend to put 
myself on a level with such a character as Major White- 
side. It now rests with you to appoint who you may 
think proper. I am, dear sir, 

yours respectfully and sincerely, 

Shadrach Bond, Jr. 



LETTER OF ALBERT GALLATIN.* 

Treasury Department, Sept. 8th, 1809. 
Sir: — I have to return my thanks for the satisfactory 
information you have transmitted respecting the Saline, 
and also for the trouble you have taken in investigating 
the charges against the land commissioners. The Presi- 
dent, who is now absent, is expected here the latter end of 

* This letter of Mr. Gallatin's — of which a lithograph is given — was written 
while he was secretary of the treasury under Mr. Madison. Mr. Gallatin 
was secretary of the treasury during both terms of Mr. Madison, all of the 
first term of Mr. Monroe and a part of his second term; having held the 
position of cabinet officer for a longer period than any man ever in a cabinet 
position. He was a Swiss by birth, and emigrated to this country in 1780, and 
soon after joined a body of the Revolutionary troops at Machias, Maine. Few 
men in the United States ever had a more distinguished and a more honorable 
career than Mr. Gallatin. 

Naturalized as an American citizen in 1785, he was a member of the Penn- 
sylvania Constitutional Convention in 1789. He was elected United States 
Senator from Pennsylvania in 1793, but was not allowed to take his seat, for 
the reason that he had not been naturalized a sufficient length of time to make 
him elligible. His case was parallel to that of James Shields of this State, 
who was elected senator in 1849, but who was not permitted to hold his place 
for the same reason that Mr. Gallatin was excluded — not having been a citizen 



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LETTER OF ALBERT GALLATIN. 47 

this month, and, the papers being voluminous, I will wait 
for his return before I lay those two subjects before him. 

The present lessees of the Saline strongly object to its 
subdivision; and I cannot say how the President will 
decide. My present impression is generally in favor of 
the outlines which you have proposed. 

On the subject of the Land-Commiss'rs I coincide fully 
with your opinion, so far as you have expressed it although 
I wish that circumstances had permitted you to give it 
more explicitly. But I am fully sensible of the difficulty 
of your situation in the present afflicting state of the Ter- 
ritory of Illinois. I earnestly wish that you may succeed 
in restoring order and harmony, or at least that you may 
be permitted to fulfill your duties without becoming ob- 
noxious to either of the local parties. If that is impossi- 
ble, there is but one line to be pursued, and I am sure it 
will be yours. 

I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, 
Your obedt. servt., 

x\lbert Gallatin. 

for a sufficient time. He was afterward elected for many terms to Congress 
from Pennsylvania, and was secretary of the treasury, as above stated. 

In 1814, he was sent as one of the joint ministers plenipotentiary to nego- 
tiate the Treaty of Ghent; and in 1815, he negotiated a commercial conven- 
tion with Great Britain. February 28th, of the same year, he was appointed 
minister to France, and served until May 16th, 1823, being a longer term of 
service than any minister of the United .States in France, with the exception 
of the writer of this note, whose term of service was two months longer than 
Mr. Gallatin's. He was afterward minister of the United States to Great 
Britain from May 10th, 1826, to October 4th, 1827. In all the high positions 
which Mr. Gallatin filled, he discharged his every duty with the most distin- 
guished ability, and has left a name which will be forever honored in the 
annals of this country. He died August 12th, 1849, at Astoria, Long Island. 
Gallatin County in this State was named after him by Governor Edwards, in 
1 81 6, and during the time of the territorial existence of Illinois. 



48 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I write to the Commrs. according to your suggestion 
without waiting for the President's final decision. A. G. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, Russelville, Kenty. 



LETTER OF MR. JOHN J. CRITTENDEN * 
Dear Sir: — You were apprised last evening of the 
propositions I intended making to Majr. Bibb. When I 
was about to write to him this morning on the subject my 
feelings made me shrink from the task. He is not exactly 
the man, sir, of whom I could ask such a favour. I very 
much respect Majr. Bibb and have much cause so to do, 
but I am fearful he would feel some apprehension and un- 
easiness at serving me in the proposed way. This is 
written to you, sir, in the spirit of that candour and free- 
dom which you have been so good as to invite. 
I am, with all respect and esteem, 

Jno. J. Crittenden. 
Russellsville, October 9th, 1809. 

* After the writing of this letter to Governor Edwards by Mr. Crittenden, 
the Governor offered him the position of attorney-general for the Territory of 
Illinois. The appointment was declined by Mr. Crittenden in a very graceful 
and cordial letter, dated Feb. 24th, 1810, and published in Edward's "History 
of Illinois," p. 36. Mr. Crittenden had a long, distinguished, and brilliant 
career in public life. He served for many terms as United States Senator from 
Kentucky, was attorney-general for a short time under General Harrison, and 
afterward under President Fillmore. I had the honor of serving with him as 
a member of the 37th Congress from 1861 to 1863. He was distinguished as 
a statesman, an orator, and a lawyer. He was a man of the most charming 
personal qualities. He was a strong Union man. He died at Frankfort, 
Kentucky, July 26th, 1863, at the age of 77 years. 






LETTER OF H. BUTLER. 49 

LETTER OF H. BUTLER* 

U. S. Saline, March 13, 18 10. 
My Dear Sir: — Since the 26th of February I have 
been at this place where I hoped to have found you on my 
arrival; disappointed in that I then expected to see you 
with the close of every day; my hopes are now over and I 
set out for Logan to-day. What in the name of heaven 
or in any other name can detain you at Kaskaskia? I am 
much disappointed in not seeing you here, for many, very 
many reasons besides selfish ones; besides I promised 
Mrs. Edwards to carry you with me on my return; this 
pledge I cannot redeem, and you must incur every penalty; 
for your satisfaction you may be told that Mrs. E. and 
your little ones were in health on the morning I came thro' 
Russelville, I saw her myself. When you arrive here I 
fear you may not have leisure to attend to our saline busi- 
ness; upon that subject I had much to say to you which 
must be deferred till we meet. Will you be good enough 
to recollect however and point out to the U. S. Agent 
what the limits of our establishment are, as you know that 
by the terms of lease we not only forfeit the penalty of 
$120,000 but forfeit the possession of the premises also, 
should we permit the sale of spirits or the settlement of 
persons within our limits; as these bounds have never as 
yet been defined we are much at a loss to know how far 

* This letter of Mr. Butler is in relation to operating the United States Salt- 
Works on the Wabash, in which he appears to have been interested. Gov- 
ernor Edwards was at this time the superintendent of the United States Saline, 
and it was his duty to make all contracts for leasing the salt-works, collect 
rents, and provide for the shipment and sale of the salt, which was delivered 
to the Government in lieu of a cash rent. 



50 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

(geographically) our jurisdiction extends; point out this 
and we will strictly conform. It is very much wished by 
us also that you would particularly instruct the Govern- 
ment Agent whose duty it appears properly to be, that 
upon our representing to him that persons are within the 
limits intending or committing a breach of the stipulations 
in the lease, to take steps for removing them, in which he 
will have the co-operation of our agent; and it is advisable 
in my opinion to instruct them how far they may go 
justifiably in compelling obedience to the orders they may 
issue touching this matter. Upon this subject my Own 
opinion has been given, but as that may be inaccurate, I 
desire yours to correct it if it be so, and if it be well 
founded, I still desire your opinion to fortify it. Pray 
afford us a supply of good timber for our furnaces that we 
may thereby make the most of our establishment; you 
will see our experimental air furnace for the purpose of 
diminishing fuel; I think you will be pleased with its 
operation and satisfied that the plan will effect the object 
intended; it will yet be improved so as to lessen the quan- 
tity now used. I have much to say to you and a proposi- 
tion to make in regard to the manufacture of salt with 
coal, altogether, but this will be reserved for a personal 
communication. I beg you will instruct our agent particu- 
larly as to the manner of finishing our new zvclls so as to 
bring them within the meaning of permanent improve- 
ments; give him your sanction also for laying the new- 
lines of pipes; for altho' I think Government intends to pay 
for all lines of pipes laid by the present lessees, as well as 
those laid by the former lessees, still the thing is not clear. 



LETTER OF H. BUTLER. 5 I 

and your permission will remove all doubt. There are 
some other matters of minor importance, as leave to sub 
lease, etc., etc., etc., which Mr. White, our agent, will 
inform you of and upon which it will be necessary to have 
your approbation ; all this can very well be done by him 
and I therefore forbear to specify the several matters upon 
which it may be necessary to obtain your assent. Your 
unexpected delay has prevented us from completing the 
contract with you for the purchase of the salt of the 
Government. I hope this may be done when you get to 
Logan, altho' it cannot so well be done there as it might 
have been at this place. I mentioned to Mr. Wilkins your 
disposition to accommodate us with the salt on hand and 
thereby prevent an unfavorable competition. I mentioned 
also the terms upon which the contract would be effected, 
(at least I gave him the outline) as however nothing can 
be done in that matter conclusively until I have the 
pleasure of seeing you myself. I think it unnecessary for 
you to say much to Mr. Isaac White on the subject, for 
reasons which may be given to you hereafter it may be 
well for you to reserve yourself on this contract until we 
can confer; one very obvious reason to Mr. White for this 
course, will be that we have already agreed upon the basis 
of the contract, and have only to reject or to comply with 
the stipulations annexed in order to make it complete and 
final. I have given the late lessees a receipt for $2,500 for 
so much due by them to the United States in which I 
promise to pay you the money on demand. Will you be 
good enough to take up that recpt. and give them your 
own for the money which shall be subject to your order 



52 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

whenever your occasions may require it, agreeable to the 
arrangement made with you at Kaskaskia? 

As soon as I hear of your arrival I shall do myself the 
pleasure of waiting on you, to see you and to learn how 
our friends are, and in what State the King Balls con- 
tinue. They furnished me whilst at that place abundant 
matter for speculation, and were productive of incidents 
that cannot readily be forgotten — but enough till we meet; 
time presses; I am just on the wing as I never determined 
to write till the instant of departure, hoping and expect- 
ing your arrival would supersede the necessity. In the 
haste of scribbling this I fear you will not find it always 
intelligible. 

Accept my assurances of respect and a cordial unfeigned 
attachment, H. BUTLER. 

Governor Edwards, 

at the U. S. Saline. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM WALLACE.* 

RUSSELLVILLE, 26th July, I 8 10. 
Dear SIR: — I received your letter notifying me of your 
power to grant us the lead mine we petitioned for on cer- 
tain conditions, for which you have my most cordial 
thanks. We shall take the necessary steps to satisfy you 
of the existence of mineral on. the land, and that we are 
connected with the first discoverer of the same if neces- 

* This Mr. Wallace seems to have been a lawyer at Russellville, Kentucky, 
and he writes in reference to a lease of a lead mine. This lead mine was in 
what is now Hardin County, in this State. Although much work was ex- 
pended in developing these mines, even up to so late a period as 1841 and 
1842, there seems never to have been any very great yield of lead ore. 



LETTER OF WM. WALLACE. 53 

sary. I wish to inquire of you whether the decease of 
Judge Prince has not dissolved the company opposed to 
us in a part of our claim, and whether we could not be per- 
mitted to vary our location in some way if deemed more 
to our advantage to do so ? 

We wish to be informed whether your power extends to 
granting the lease with a right to renew, and whether any 
and what remuneration will be made us for improvements 
on the land at any time and when. I do not wish to draw 
from you any secret of the Government (if any she has), 
but it is desirable to have as favorable terms as we can 
get, and to be informed of them fully before we proceed 
to the expenditure of money on the place. If we should 
delay some months before we make our application we 
hope it will not prejudice our claim. The removal of the 
man who is best acquainted with the mineral into Louisi- 
ana (as we are informed) may possibly cause delay. My 
own engagements with the Courts will confine me till 
November, and unless my partners do it, no examination 
of the mineral can be made before. I am instructed to 
say that we are certainly connected with the first dis- 
coverer and that we can establish that fact with ease. I 
speak comparatively with the claim of Prince & Ficklin. 
Accept my sincere thanks for your friendly conduct 
towards me at all times, and believe me your unaltered 
friend; also the complements of Mrs. Wallace to yourself 
and Mrs. Edwards. Wm. WALLACE. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Kaskaskia. 



54 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF ACTING-GOVERNOR FREDERICK 

BATES* 

Executive Office, St. Louis, Aug. 2nd, 18 10. 

SlR: — I take the liberty to enclose to you a petition of 
Charles Relle and Baptiste and Francis Pequeur. 

The application was improperly made to me, as the 
Kickapoos, by whom the property is alleged to have been 
stolen, reside within your government. 

I avail myself of this occasion to say that the Illinois 
Indians make frequent visits to this place under the pre- 
text of talk with the Public Agents, and not unfrequently 
commit some violence or other immediately before their 
departure. The appointment by yourself of an agent, 
resident in this neighborhood, would contribute very much 
to the suppression of these practices. Altho' the duty 
would be somewhat burthensome, I have no doubt that 
Mr. Peter Chouteau would, at your request, very cheerfully 
undertake it. I have the honor to be, .very respectfully, sir, 
Your obedt. servant, 

Frederick Bates. 

His Excellency NlNlAN EDWARDS, 
Governor of Illinois. 

* Frederick Bates was at this time the secretary and acting-governor of the 
Territory of Upper Louisiana. In 1824, he was elected governor of the State 
of Missouri, and died on the 4th of August, 1825, only having administered 
the government for one year. He was the compiler of the laws of the Terri- 
tory of Louisiana, which was the first book ever printed in St. Louis. 



LETTER OF LIEUT. PRICE. 55 

LETTER OF LIEUT. PRICE* 

Fort Massac, Sept. ioth, 1810. 

Sir: — I have the happiness to inform you that there 
was certainly not more than one Indian killed in a reen- 
counter which I mentioned in a former letter to you. 

This information I could have given you sometime since 
had I not proposed procuring some depositions from dis- 
interested persons and forwarding them with this commu- 
nication. 

Those depositions I have not been able to procure 
owing to my confined situation. I fear there may be some 
misconduct in the soldiery by their concurrence in report- 
ing to me falsely. I have the honor to be with the highest 
consideration, Yr. obt. servt., S. PRICE, 

His Excel'cy NlNIAN EDWARDS, Lt. Commanding. 

Kaskaskia. 

* Fort Massac, the point from which this letter was written, by Lieut. Price, 
then in command, was probably the earliest fort ever built by the French in 
that part of Nouvelle France, which embraced what is now Illinois. It was 
built in 171 1. Fort Chartres was buill in 1718, seven years afterward, and 
that was regarded at the time as the most formidable fortress on the American 
continent. 

Fort Massac was situated on the Ohio River, about forty miles from its 
mouth. Persons who have traveled by steamboat on the Ohio River will 
recollect the beautiful site which was selected by the French military officers. 

A fort was first erected at this point in 171 1. It was captured by the 
Indians, and nearly all the French soldiers were massacred. It was subse- 
quently rebuilt, and in memory of that disastrous event was named "Fort 
Massacre"; from that came the name of "Fort Massac", and from thence the 
name of Massac County, which was organized in 1843. It was a Jesuit mis- 
sionary station and a trading-post as well. During the time of the old French 
War, about 1756, the post was enlarged and made quite a strong fortress. It 
was continued a military post by the United States for a considerable period 
for the purpose of protecting the inhabitants from the Indians. In 1794, 
Major Doyle was in command. In 1803, there was a military company sta- 
tioned there, with a captain, first and second lieutenants, and seventy-four 
privates. — American State Papers. 



$6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF THOMAS T. CRITTENDEN.* 
KASKASKIA, Saturday, 27th October, 18 10. 

SIR: — Permit me to return into the hands of your ex- 
cellency those rights and powers, the exercise of which I 
derived from the commissions of Atto. General for the 
Territory, and of Aid-de-camp to your Excellency. I 
can not lay aside those badges of an esteem which I am 
so happy to claim and so solicitous always to retain, with- 
out returning to you my most sincere thanks for that share 
of confidence with which you have honored me. It will 
not be among my least incitements to exertion, that those 
exertions may continue to render me worthy of so valued 
a boon. With the highest respect, I am yours, 

Tho. T. Crittenden. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards. 



LETTER OF GOV. BENJAMIN HOWARD 
OF MISSOURI.f 

St. Louis, Nov. 15th, 18 10. 
SlR: — Since my arrival I have used every means in my 
power to ascertain the Indians who on the 20th of July 
last upon Salt river, in this Territory, murdered four white 
men, namely: Cornelius Groch, William T. Cole, Abra- 
ham Patton, and Sashell Brown, and have at length col- 

* John J. Crittenden having resigned the office of attorney-general for the 
Territory of Illinois, as offered to him by Governor Edwards, the same posi- 
tion was then tendered to Thomas T. Critten len. He held the position from 
April 7th, 1810, to October 27th, of the same year, when, as is shown by this 
letter, he tendered his resignation. He was the brother of John J. Crittenden, 
and the uucle of Thomas T. Crittenden, the present governor of Missouri. 

t Benjamin Howard succeeded, in 1809, Meriweather Lewis as governor of 



LETTER OF BENJAMIN HOWARD. 57 

lected circumstantial proof sufficient to convince me that 
the party was composed of Pottawatomies, one of whom 
called Catfish, resides within the Territory of Illinois. 
Inasmuch as it is my duty as well as my inclination to 
spare no exertion to bring this offender to trial for the 
crime of murder with which I now charge him, and having 
no authority to arrest him out of this Territory, lam com- 
pelled to demand him of you as the Governor of the Ter- 
ritory within which he resides ; with a view to aid you in 
your efforts to have him apprehended, I herewith enclose 
all the written evidence which I have received touching 
the charge against him. I am, sir, with the highest con- 
sideration, Your humble servt., 

Benja. Howard. 

His Exc'll'y NlNIAN EDWARDS, 

Governor of Illinois. 

Gomo, a Chief of a band of Pottawatomies, in a council 
with me, at this place, said that two men of his nation, 
named O-ki-che-ga-mis and Ne-skad-na-mis y were of the' 
party that murdered the four white men about the 20th 
July in the District of St. Charles.' Those two Indians 
were attached to a band of the Pottawatomies who were 
under the influence of the Prophet, and reside on the 
Wabash. Wm. Clark, 

St. Louis, 14th Nov'r., 1810. U. S. Agt. for I. Afs., L. 

Upper Louisiana Territory. He had previously been twice elected to Con- 
gress from the State of Kentucky, and had also been the governor of Indiana 
Territory. He resigned as governor of Louisiana Territory a short time 
before the division of Upper Louisiana and the admission of Missouri as a 
territory. In 1813, he was appointed a brigadier-general in the United States 
army, and died at St. Louis, September 18, 18 14. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Letter of Martin D. Hardin; a distinguished lawyer of Kentucky; 
father of Col. John J. Hardin of Illinois; description of Prairie 
du Chien as it appeared in 1811; an interesting old French- 
Canadian settlement; its large commerce at that time; early 
working of the Dubuque and Galena lead-mines; first discovery 
of lead-ore in the United States; letter of Samuel Whiteside, 
an early settler in Illinois Territory; the Whiteside Family; 
"Whiteside Station"; Whiteside County; General Samuel 
Whiteside; a man of great courage and energy; a Democrat 
in politics, and a "Hard -Shell" Baptist in religion; letter of 
Governor Howard ; letter of William B. Whiteside ; Goshen 
Settlement; letter of Joseph Charless; publisher of the first 
newspaper ever issued in Upper Louisiana Territory, the 
"Missouri Gazette", afterwards the "Missouri Republican"; 
proposes to print the laws of Illinois for 1812; letter of Thomas 
E. Craig; his expedition to Peoria; brings away many of the 
inhabitants as prisoners; Antoine LeClaire one of them; Le- 
Claire becomes one of the founders of Davenport, Iowa; letter 
of Jonathan Taylor; a lessee of the United States Salines in 
1810. 



LETTER OF MARTIN D. HARDIN* 

Frankfort, Jan. 4th, 181 1. 
Dear Sir: — Your letter by Mr. Crittenden, addressed 



* Martin D. Hardin was a distinguished lawyer of Kentucky, a major of 
vo^nteers in the War of 1812, and secretary of the State of Kentucky, and 
for a short time, in 1816 and 1817, a United States senator from Kentucky. 
He was the father of Hon. John J. Hardin of this State, who was a member 
of Congress from 1843 to 1845. ^ e commanded a regiment of Illinois volun- 
teers in the Mexican war, and was killed in the battle of Buena Vista while 
gallantly leading his men in the final charge, February 27th, 1847. 



DESCRIPTION OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN. 59 

to Mr. P. Dudley and myself, was rec'd about a week since. 
Mr. Dudley was not in this country. I immediately went 
and saw Mr. Richardson. I could do nothing with him as 
to compromise, that is, in writing. He said he would not 
sue for a while, but would not give any writing. I then, 
according to directions, made the demand on the 28th ult., 
sued him on the 29th, had the writ served on the 31st. 
On that evening Richardson tendered bonds and demanded 
a deed. I could not make any. He then proposed paying 
up for two hundred acres, and waiting eight months for a 
title for that two hundred acres — the other 100 acres, (*, e.), 
that claimed by Ratliff, he to hold the money free from 
interest until a title was made. I could not give a direct 
answer to this offer, but said I would write to you as to 
it. I have not had time to do more in this business yet. 
Your friend, &c, 

M. D. Harding. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 
Governor of Illinois. 



DESCRIPTION OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN, AS IT 
APPEARED IN 181-1* 

Prairie des CJiiens is on the left bank of the Mississippi, 
Illinois Territory, about six miles above the mouth of the 

* This letter, written to the secretary of war — Hon. William Eustis — in 
181 1, by N. Boilvin, a well-known Indian agent at this time at Prairie du 
Chien, was found among the papers of Governor Edwards. It is published 
as containing a description of that old French settlement at that early period. 
The statement in the letter of the number of Indians visiting Prairie du Chien 
annually must excite surprise, and it is evident that there was quite a large 
commerce there at that time. I was not aware before reading this letter that 



60 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Ouisconsing, and 700 miles, by estimation, above St. Louis; 
the distance is probably over-rated as a well-manned boat 
is able to ascend from the latter to the former place in 
twenty days, but it generally takes double the time for a 
loaded boat to perform the same route. The plat of 
ground on which the village stands may be said to be an 
island of about three miles long and a mile broad, but 
in the season of low water the back channel is dry except 
where it forms a small pond or lake, which may be easily 
drained. In fine, the back channel is nothing more than a 
small creek or bayou. 

Prairie des CJiiens is an old Indian town which was 
sold by the Indians to the Canadian traders about thirty 
years ago, where they have ever since rendezvoused, and 
dispersed therein merchandise in various directions. The 
Indians also sold them at the same time a tract of land 
measuring six leagues up and down the river, and six 
leagues back of it. The village contains between thirty 
and forty houses, and on the tract just mentioned about 
thirty-two families, so that the whole settlement contains 
about 100 families. The men are generally French Cana- 

the Indians at that early period were so extensively engaged in mining for 
lead ore and in manufacturing lead. 

The point at which they carried on their operations being described as sixty 
miles below Prairie du Chien, must have been at the lead -mines of Julien 
Dubuque, where the City of Dubuque now stands. They might possibly 
have worked also on the east side of the Mississippi River, in what was after- 
ward known as the Galena lead-mines. The earliest discovery of lead-mines 
in this country was made in this region. On an old French map, published 
in Paris in 1703, lead-mines (mines de plomb) are put down on both sides of 
the Mississippi River at this point. On the east side of the river the designa- 
tion on the map is put down as being on the "Riviere de Parisien", after- 
ward known as Fever River. 



DESCRIPTION OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN. 6l 

dians, who have mostly married Indian wives; perhaps 
not more than twelve white females are to be found in the 
settlement. 

These people attend to the cultivation of their lands, 
which are extremely fertile. They raise considerable 
quantities of surplus produce, particularly wheat and corn. 
They annually dispose of about eighty thousand weight of 
flour to the traders and Indians, besides great quantities 
of meal, and the quantity of surplus produce would be 
greatly increased if a suitable demand existed for it. All 
kinds of vegetables flourish in great perfection, and such 
is the beauty of the climate that the country begins to 
attract the attention of settlers. Different fruit trees have 
lately been planted and promise to grow well. 

Prairie des Chiens is surrounded by numerous Indian 
tribes, who wholly depend on it for their supplies. It is 
annually visited by at least six thousand Indians, and 
hitherto they have resorted to the Canadian traders for 
goods, because our own apprehended much danger in at- 
tempting to carry on a trade with them, particularly as the 
Canadians generally prevail on the Indians either to 
plunder them or to drive them away. Only one trader of 
our town returned into that quarter during the last year. 

Great danger, both to individuals and to the Government, 
is to be apprehended from the Canadian traders; they en- 
deavor to incite the Indians against us; partly to monopo- 
lize their trade and partly to secure friendship in case a 
war should break out between us and England. They are 
constantly making large presents to the. Indians, which the 
latter consider as a sign of approaching war, and under 



62 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

this impression frequently apply to me for advice on the 
subject. Hitherto I have been able to keep them friendly. 

The United States have it in their power by the adop- 
tion of one simple measure to turn the current of Indian 
trade on the Upper Mississippi, and to put an end to the 
subsisting intercourse between the Canadian traders and 
the Indians. Prairie dcs CJiiens from its central position 
is well calculated for a garrison and factory. It affords 
health, plenty of fine timber and good water. But as the 
Indians are numerous a garrison at that place will require 
at least two companies of men. The Sacs, Foxes, and 
Iowas can be as well supplied at the latter place as at the 
former, particularly as they have mostly abandoned the 
chase, except to furnish themselves with meat, and turned 
their attention to the manufacture of lead, which they pro- 
cure from a mine about sixty miles below Prairie des 
Chiens. During the last season they manufactured four 
hundred thousand pounds of that article, which they ex- 
changed for goods. The Sioux and other Indians in that 
quarter have excellent mines, and might be easily prevailed 
on to open them, especially as the profits of this manu- 
facture is mnch greater and less precarious than the la- 
borious pursuit of peltries. A few tools will be neces- 
sary for them, and perhaps a blacksmith to repair them 
would be of great use. 

As soon as the Indians in general turn their attention 
to lead, the Canadian traders will wholly abandon the 
country, as they have no use for that article, at least in 
the way of commerce. To introduce the manufacture of 
lead, requires only the adoption of the measures I have 



DESCRIPTION OF PRAIRIE DU CHIEN. 6$ 

mentioned. The factory at Prairie des Chiens ought to 
be well supplied with goods, and lead ought to be received 
in exchange for the merchandise. This trade would be the 
more valuable to the United States, as lead is not a perish- 
able article, and is easily transported; whereas peltries are 
bulky, and large quantities are annually spoiled before they 
reach the market; under such a system, the Canadian trade 
would be extinguished. 

William Morris, Esqr., of Kaskaskia, I have no doubt, 
would supply the troops at Prairie des Chiens cheaper 
than anybody else, perhaps at 35, perhaps at 30, per ration, 
which is the same price as is allowed for the ration at Fort 
Madison. This gentleman is as able to furnish as any 
man in the country, as he is a merchant of extensive busi- 
ness, and has most of the people in his debt. At any rate 
I am convinced that I can procure the rations to be fur- 
nished at Prairie des Chiens as cheap as it is now furnished 
at Fort Madison. I have the honor to be, sir, with esteem,. 
Your obt. servt., N. BoiLVIN. 

Washington City, Feby. 2d, 181 1. 

Honb. WlLL'M EUSTIS, • 

Secty. of War. 



LETTER OF SAMUEL WHITESIDE* 
Illinois River, Block HoDse, July the 24th, 181 l 
Capt. William B. Whiteside: 

Sir: — I conceive it my duty to give you a statement of 

* The family of Whiteside was a very large one, and much distinguished in 
the early settlement of Illinois. Numerous members of the family emigrated 



64 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

an affair that took place here since you left the Block 
House. All passengers, either ascending or decending 
the Mississippi, both Indians and whites, came too at our 
Block House and have been treated with civility until the 
23d instant. In the afternoon we discovered two canoes 
on the river near the Louisiana shore; agreeable to your 
orders, I hailed them in order to bring them too, but they 
did not come, and slipt along side of the Island. I took 
two men with me and went across to the Island, one of 
them was a Frenchman who speaks the Indian language 
very well; I hailed them again, as the distance was not so 
great and could hear them speak distinctly, and told them 
it was my orders to know what Indians passed. There was 
a Frenchman who spoke from the canoes and gave me very 
insulting and abusive language, and continued going up the 
river. I then told them if they did not stop and come too 
I would certainly fire on them, and was answered by the 
Frenchman, "Fire and be damned!" then I fired off my 
gun for to strike about twenty or thirty feet ahead of the 
canoe, which I seen the bullet strike and skip along the 

from Kentucky in 1 793, and settled about New Design, in St. Clair Co. 
They were very brave men and great Indian fighters. The writer of this 
letter, Samu-1 Whiteside, afterward became a general, and was one of the 
commissioners who selected Vandalia for the seat of government of Illinois. 
He was a man of great courage and energy, and of incorruptible integrity. 
Judge Joseph Gillespie says that the only thing on earth that he was afraid of 
was being in debt. He died in Christian County, Illinois, as late as the 3d of 
January, 1866. 

One of the family, William Whiteside, erected a fort on the road from 
Cahokia to Kaskaskia, which became celebrated as "Whiteside Station". 
Whiteside County was named in honor of the family, though it is sometimes 
claimed that it was named for General Samuel Whiteside, who was the most 
prominent member of the family at the time when the county was organized. 
He was a democrat in politics, and a "hard-shell" Baptist in religion. 



LETTER OF SAMUEL WHITESIDE. 65 

water above the canoe. Immediately after I seen a stout 
looking man, that we took to be the Frenchman, jump out 
of the foremost canoe onto the sand-bar and fired at me, 
and was very near hitting me. I then was irritated, know- 
ing they must have seen I did not aim at them. I then 
loaded my rifle and done my best at the Frenchman who 
shot at me, but done him no damage that I know of, as 
the distance was two or three hundred yards. There was 
two more guns fired at us from the canoes, but done us no 
damage and went on. The day before the affair took 
place a Sac Chief called on me and told me he had some 
Indians behind that would be along in the evening and 
would stop. It appears to me that it was the Frenchman's 
fault, as we told the Indians very civilly, in their own 
language, what we wanted with them and that we would 
not detain them. I shall be extremely sorry to have done 
anything that may have the least appearance of an un- 
friendly disposition towards Indians that is in friendship 
with the United States. A man that called his name 
Blondo came down the river and had met several canoes 
of the Sac Indians this morning, not far above this place, 
who told him they had been fired on the evening before by 
the people of this Block House, and that they were very 
angry in consequence of it. I, not being acquainted with 
the nature of Indians, may have done wrong; but I have 
this consolation, if I have, it was with an intention of 
doing right. Myself and the men are all in good health. 
We have no provisions come on yet. I am, sir, 
Your obedient servant, 

Samuel Whiteside. 
5 



66 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR HOWARD. 

St. Louis, July 29th, 181 1. 
Sir: — I have just been informed that some of the militia 
of Illinois, stationed on or near the Mississippi, below the 
mouth of the Illinois, a few days ago fired on a party of 
Sac Indians ascending the river from this place to Fort 
Madison with their women and children. I cannot believe 
that this act can be justified by any instructions from you. 
The white man who was with the chief, and ahead of the 
party, when this affair took place, says that when they 
came up they appeared much irritated. I expect every 
day some chiefs from the Sacs here, and I think it im- 
portant that the transaction should be satisfactorily ex- 
plained to them. These people are powerful and now very 
friendly towards us, and 'tis possible that this affair may 
have a tendency to change their disposition in regard to the 
Americans. When those chiefs arrive it will afford me 
pleasure to be furnished by you with the means of remov- 
ing any unfavorable impression which this affair may have 
made. I enclose you an extract from a letter of Capt. 
Levering on the subject. I am, sir, 

Your humble serv't., 

Benja. Howard. 
His Excellency NlNIAN Edwards. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM B. WHITESIDE* 

Goshen, the 4th of August, 181 1. 
His Excellency NlNIAN Edwards: 

Sir: — I had the honour of receiving yours of the 2nd 

* Goshen, the place from which this letter was written, by Major William 



LETTER OF WILLIAM B. WHITESIDE. 6j 

instant in which I am informed that Governor Howard has 
made a communication to your Excellency expressing a 
dissatisfaction with respect to an affair that took place at 
the Block House, on the Mississippi river, between our 
men and some of the Sac Indians on the 23d of last 
month, and wished an explanation of the same. I have 
written to Governor Howard and given him all the in- 
formation in my power and that will be satisfactory to 
him, I hope. I do inclose to your Excellency a copy of a 
communication made by the officer to me, giving the whole 
narrative of the transaction that took place with respect to 
firing on the Sac Indians. I can only observe that I think 
the boys was rather too forward, but I believe it was done 
by the officer without considering what the consequences 
that might result from it would be. Altho' I know him to 
be a deliberate man and one as zealous for the safety of his 
country as perhaps any one in it. I am, very respectfully ^ 
Your obedient servant, 

Wm. B. Whiteside. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH CHARLESS.* 
Gov. Edwards: 

Sir: — A young man, a printer from Penn., is in town 

B. Whiteside to Governor Edwards, was a settlement, made as early as 1807,. 
in what is now Madison County, and four miles southwest of the present town 
of Edwardsville. The father of Governor John Reynolds was one of the 
earliest settlers, and here also lived William B. Whiteside and other members 
of the Whiteside family. 

* Joseph Charless, the writer of this letter, published the first newspaper ever 
issued in Upper Louisiana Territory. It was established in 1808, and called 
the Missouri Gazette. In 1822, the name of the paper was changed to that of 
the Missouri Republican — today one of the leading journals in the State of 
Missouri. The letter is interesting as showing the estimated cost of printing 
the laws of the Territory of Illinois in 18 12. 



68 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

and applies for employment. I lose no time in offering 
proposals for printing the laws of Illinois, as follows: 

Suppose the book would form ioo pages octavo, with 
marginal notes, it would amount to: 

Printing 200 copies $100 00 

Four reams paper @ $5 20 00 

Folding and stitching in paper covers at 8 

cents per copy _ 1 6 00 

$136 00 
Or in proportion, should the contemplated work exceed 
100 pages. 

I would be happy to hear from you on this subject, or 
should you remain in town beyond to-day, I will have an 
opportunity of waiting on you; the publication of the 
Gazette deprives me of that pleasure at this time. 
I am, sir, respectfully, 

Joseph Charless. 
St. Louis, Aprii 18th, 1812. 



LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG.* 
SHAWNEETOWN, Illinois Territory, 28th Apl., 18 12. 
DEAR Sir: — I received your orders of the 12th inst. 

* In the fall of this year (1812), Captain Thomas E. Craig was ordered by 
Governor Edwards to go to Peoria, and arrest certain persons who were there 
for the purpose of assisting the savages in murdering the frontier settlers. 
Captain Craig was successful in his expedition, and brought away a number 
of the inhabitants of Peoria as prisoners. Among their number, as given by 
Edward Coles (afterward governor of the State), in a report he made as a 
register of the Land Office at Edwardsville to the Secretary of the Treasury, 
is that of Antoine EeClaire, a Canadian half-breed, who was the first settler 
at the point" where Davenport, Iowa, now stands, and of which town he was 
one of the original proprietors. The town of LeClaire, Iowa, is named 
for him. Whatever he might have been in 18 12, during his long residence in 
Davenport he was ever regarded as a most excellent, honorable, and liberal 
man. 



LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG. 69 

directing me to come on immediately to Kaskaskia, and 
at the same time received your note countermanding them 
orders. I have made use of every exertion in my power 
to have my company ready by the time the next express 
arrives to march. Governor, I want you to state, if you 
see proper, in the next express in what way we must come, 
the payments per day, &c. I am much in hopes you will 
receive us as mounted riflemen, I shall certainly have my 
company as large and as well equiped as possible. I am 
bound to attend your call if I have only five men, but I 
have no doubt but I shall have near the quantity. I have 
not sent the swords you sent for, for want of an opportu- 
nity. We have rec'd accounts at this place of the Indians 
doing considerable damage on the Wabash. Report says 
from several boats that passed three days since that the 
Indians have killed three, and some say more men, just 
below the mouth of Greeen River — all since the battle on 
Wabash. The correctness of those reports are yet uncer- 
tain with me. I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your mo. obt. servt, 

Thomas E. Craig. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards. 



LETTER OF JONATHAN TAYLOR* 

SHAWNEETOWN, 4 June, 18 12. 
DEAR Sir: — I wrote you yesterday by an express sent 

* Jonathan Taylor was a man of some prominence in his time, and a resi- 
dent of Kaskaskia in 18 10, and was one of the lessees of the United States 
Salines in that year. It appears by the Randolph County records that he 
was licensed as a tavern-keeper at the United States Salines in 1809. These 
salt springs were near the mouth of the Wabash River, and were then within 
the limits of Randolph County. 



70 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

by Maj. Hargrave. Col. Grant tells me he starts for your 
place in the morning. I avail myself by him to drop you 
a line. We are anxious to know when a division will take 
place of the counties. Mr. Street has his house logs ready 
to build, and will immediately remove to this place. I 
have come to the same determination, and you may con- 
sider me a citizen of your Territory. 

Great head will be made against me as Register of the 
Land Office, east of Kaskaskia. I am under obligations 
to you for your exertions; I have no doubt it is in your 
power to procure it for me; believing it still not filled I 
will suggest that it will give great weight if you will by 
next mail write to Judge Thurston, the Hon. John Pope, 
and others of your acquaintances. 

I have spent all the prime of my life in public service, 
and have a large family to support with funds barely equal 
to the task. 

Inclosed you have a recommendation in favor of Mr. 
Patterson as Sheriff for one of the new counties. The 
respectability of the signers is equal to any that can be 
procured in this country. I hope if he is appointed it will 
be for the upper county. 

I have a nephew who will be proposed to you as Prose- 
cuting Attorney for the contemplated counties. He has 
studied with Judge Clark of Kentucky, and will bring on 
letters to you from him and others of your acquaintance 
in the upper country. 

Sincerely anxious to promote your happiness I am 

your Excellency's obedient servant, 

J on a. Taylor. 

His Excellency Governor EDWARDS. 



CHAPTER V. 

Letter of George Robinson; question of dividing Randolph County 
agitated; petition for division ; Northwestern Territory; County 
of Illinois, Virginia; first counties established in Northwestern 
Territory; Washington first, Hamilton second, St. Clair third, 
Knox fourth, Randolph fifth ; controversy about the county-seat 
of Randolph County; William St. Clair; other counties estab- 
lished in Illinois Territory; letter of Robert Brent, paymaster of 
United States Army; letter of Martin D. Hardin; letter of 
Captain William Clark; a distinguished explorer and governor 
of Missouri Territory; a brother of George Rogers Clark; letter 
of John Hays, an early settler at Cahokia; much of his life 
passed in the fur-trade ; postmaster of Cahokia, and sheriff of 
St. Clair County; other letters of Robert Brent; letter of Thomas 
E. Craig; Craig's report to Governor Edwards of his expedition 
to Peoria; speaks of certain parties at Peoria as " Dam'd 
Rascals". 



LETTER OF GEORGE ROBINSON.* 

Shawneetown, June 14th, 18 12. 
Dear Sir: — At the request of a number of the citizens 
of this place, I send you the enclosed petition, the contents 
of which you will see, and of the propriety or impropriety 

* It was in the first part of the year 1812, that the question of dividing 
Randolph County became agitated. The county then embraced all the lower 
part of the State. This letter of Mr. Robinson's, who was then the post- 
master at Shawneetown, encloses the following petition, which is signed by 
about one hundred persons. Of all the names signed to it, there are but few 
recalled: G. Lamb, who is believed to have been of the firm of Mather 
Lamb & Co. of Kaskaskia, Thomas E. Craig, whose letter is found in the 
preceding pages, Col. Thos. Cox, Hon. Michael Jones, and Thos. M. Dorris. 



J2 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

be able to judge. No doubt you wish to gratify the people 
as far as is right or consistent with your duty. There is 
several to the same amount in circulation, that you will 
shortly get. I see in the papers that the right of suffrage 
is extended to this Territory. I suppose you will shortly 
divide the counties. It is the ardent wish of the people, 
as far as I have had an opportunity to know, that you 
should erect two counties on the Ohio, and I think it will 
be right if there is but one. It will not remedy the diffi- 
culty complained of, that of the great distance from the 
seat of justice, and of course another division must shortly 
take place, and then the place where the seat of justice 
had been fixed will not be likely to suit the other county. 
Before I conclude, I will say a word or two on the petition 
above mentioned; if you should think a parte proper and 
a parte improper of the request in it made, as far as appears 
proper, I would advise you to grant, in order to soothe the 
people; although it may be improper in me to give advice 
to you, but you will consider it is from a friend — one who 
wishes your welfare and prosperity. I therefore hope you 
will pardon the liberty I have taken. 

I am, sir, yours with esteem, 

.Geo. Robinson. 
Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory. 

To His Excellency, Ninian Edwards, Esq., Gov- 
ernor of the Illinois Territory: 
The petition of the free male inhabitants of that part of 
the County of Randolph which lies east of Big- Muddy:* 

* Before the cession of the Northwestern Territory by Virginia to the 



PETITION TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS. 73 

Humbly sheweth that your petitioners have with pleas- 
United States, in 1784, the Virginia Assembly, in 1778, created the country 
which had been conquered by George Rogers Clark into the County of Illi- 
nois, the mother of all the counties in the five States of Ohio, Indiana, Illi- 
nois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. 

After the passage of the Ordinance of July 13, 1787, providing for the 
government of the Northwestern Territory, Gen. Arthur St. Clair, of Revolu" 
tionary fame, was made governor thereof. On the 15th day of July, 1788, 
Gen. St. Clair established himself as governor of the Northwe-tern Territory 
at Marietta, the seat of the Massachusetts Land Company. There had as yet 
been no county established in the territory, and by an "order", passed July 
27, 1788, "By His Excellency Arthur St. Clair, Esquire, Governor and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Territory of the United States Northwest of the 
Ohio River," constituted the County of Washington (named after Gen. Wash- 
ington) and fixing its boundaries. This was the first county made out of the 
mother-County of Illinois. 

Having established the Territorial Government at Marietta, Gov. St. Clair 
set out for Kaskaskia, in the " Illinois Country", on the 20th day of Decem- 
ber, 1789, and on January 2, 1793, reached Fort Washington, on the " Sym- 
mes Purchase". This was near where Cincinnati now stands, and there was 
a town having the foolish and absurd name of " Losantiville ". On the 4th 
day of January, 1790, Gov. St. Clair issued another "order", creating the 
County of Hamilton (named after Alexander Hamilton), and fixing the coun- 
ty-seat, which he named Cincinnati, in lieu of " Losantiville ". This was the 
second county established in the Northwestern Territory. The journey from 
Marietta was a long and tedious one, and attended by great delays; for the 
governor did not arrive at Kaskaskia till March 5, 1790. On the 27th of 
the following month (April), an "order" was issued, setting off the County of 
St. Clair (named a.'ter Gov. St. Clair), and fixing its boundaries. The county 
was divided into three judicial districts, equivalent to three different county- 
seats, Cahokia, Prairie du Rocher, and Kaskaskia. This was the third county 
established in the Northwestern Territory. 

The fourth county established in the Northwestern Territory, June 20th r 
1790, was Knox County (named after Gen. Henry Knox, the secretary-of-war 
under Gen. Washington), and the county-seat was fixed at " Post Saint Vin- 
cennes". 

The fifth county established in the Territory was Randolph, named for 
Edward Randolph, the attorney-general in the Cabinet of Washington. This 
county was created by Gov. St. Clair, by a proclamation issued at Cahokia, 
Oct. 5, 1795, which recites that "the division of the County of St. Clair into- 
districts has not been found to give that ease and facility to the administration 
of justice which was expected, and the great extent of the county would ren- 



74 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

ure learned that your Excellency has it in contemplation 

der it almost impracticable were the courts to be held at one place only, it 
has, therefore, become necessary that it should be divided, and a new county 
erected. " The boundaries are then set out for a county, to be named and 
"hereafter to be known and called by the name of Randolph." Nothing is 
said in the proclamation as to the county-seat of the new county. Up to a 
short time before the division of the County of St. Clair, the records seem to 
have been kept at Cahokia, but in November, 1794, Judge Turner, one of the 
United States Territorial judges, gave a peremptory order that they should be 
deposited at Kaskaskia, "as being the acknowledged co mty-town." This 
order seems to have given offence to Gov. St. Clair, who ordered them to be 
returned to "William St. Clair, Esq., prothonotary and register of the County 
of St. Clair."* I am not at the moment able to trace the result of this con- 
troversy, but the records undoubtedly remained at Kaskaskia, as the county- 
seat of Randolph; while Lahokia became for many years the county-seat of 
St. Clair. 

When Gov. Edwards entered in the discharge of his duties as governor of 
Illinois Territory, in 1 809, there were but the two counties of St. Clair and 
Randolph, and no more were established until Sept. 14, 1812, when he created 
by proclamation the Counties of Madison (named for James Madison, so soon 
to be president), Gallatin (named for Albert Gallatin, the secretary of the 
treasury under both Jefferson and Madison, the cotemporary friend and cor- 
respondent of Gov. Edwards). His youngest son (now living), Gen. Albert 
Ga latin Edwards, the present sub-treasurer at St. Louis and the last appoint- 
ment of a public officer ever made by President Lincoln, was named for Albert 
Gallatin. Johnson County was nam;d for Richard M. Johnson, an old Ken- 
tucky friend of Gov. Edward^, and afterward vice-president. The ninth 
county organized was Edwards (named for Gov. Edwards), organized Novem- 
ber 28, 1 8 14. 

The tenth county organized in the Territory of Illinois was White, De- 
cember 9, 1815. Then came Crawford (named for Wm. H. Crawford, secretary 
of the treasury under President Monioe), Jackson (named for Gen. Jackson), 
Monroe (named for President Monroe), Pope (named for Nathaniel Pope, the 
del gate in Congress who secured the admission of the territory as a state), 
all organized in 1816. Bond County (named for Gov. Bond) was organized in. 
1817. Franklin, Union, and Washington Counties were organized in 1818, 
and before the Territory was admitted into the Union as a state, in the latter 
part of that year. These nineteen counties were all that existed during the 
territorial existence of Illinois. 

* This William St Clair was a distant relative of Gov St. Clair. When Randolph County 
was organized, Gov. St. Clair appointei him clerk of the courts of St. Clair County. He 
located at Cahokia, and lived and died in that old French v.llage. 






PETITION TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS. 75 

to erect a new county or counties within the aforesaid 
boundaries. And beg leave to state that they have good 
grounds to believe that the right of suffrage will, by an 
act of Congress, be extended to all the free male inhabit- 
ants of this Territory, under certain restrictions, to elect a 
delegate to Congress and also representatives to the Terri- 
torial Legislature, so soon as your Excellency shall deem 
it expedient to order the second or representative grade of 
territorial government. This being a rapid stride toward 
a free government, we can have no doubt of it meeting 
your entire approbation. And believing as we do that 
your determination is to administer the government of the 
Territory with equal justice to all, and so far as is consist- 
ent with your official duties in such way as may best please 
the people. And also believing that the recommendation 
of a respectable portion of the citizens of the Territory 
would have weight with you in making appointments 
(which is the case in all governments), and that the mode 
of recommending to office might be reduced to a system. 

To show the propriety of such a measure in a country 
like this, we ask your Excellency's permission to represent; 
that owing to the dispersed situation of the population of 
the Territory, and especially in that part in which your 
petitioners reside, that it is almost impossible for any one 
man, residing at so remote a distance as your excellency 
does from your petitioners, to form such an acquaintance 
with the citizens at large as to enable him to select the 
persons best qualified and most proper to fill the several 
offices necessary for the county or counties. 

Your petitioners therefore pray that your Excellency 



7 6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

will, so soon as a new county or counties may be estab- 
lished in the aforesaid limits, direct that election shall be 
held in the several townships at such times and places as 
you may appoint, for the purpose of selecting, by the votes 
of the several persons entitled to vote, for representatives 
(should the right of suffrage be extended, as we confidently 
hope it may) if not by the free male inhabitants who may 
reside therein and shall have paid a county tax, a sheriff or 
sheriffs, a clerk or clerks to the Court of Common Pleas, 
and judges of the Court of Common Pleas. 

Your petitioners are prompted to make this request, 
first, from the confidence they have in your disposition to 
administer the government, so far as you have it in your 
power, according to republican principles. Second, because 
the militia-men of the Territory have been authorized by 
your Excellency, under certain restrictions, to select by 
vote their officers. And thirdly, because a like indulgence 
has been extended to the people of a neighboring territory 
by the Executive thereof, we hope your Excellency will 
take our petition under consideration, arid as in duty 
bound, &c. 

William Akers, ^ >a » ge L £EP > 

W. Hamilton, Thomas Jones, 

John Murphy, Thomas Cox. 

David Gueard, Charles Drewyer, 

John Carter, William Cook, 

Michael Jones, Bailey Gard, 

Wm. Cheek, G. Lamb, 

Thomas Akers, Michael Sprenkle, 

Henry A. Carter, Benj. R. Smith, 



PETITION TO GOVERNOR EDWARDS. 



77 



James Wright, 
John Gilbert, Sen., 
Isaac Albin, 
John Leak, 
Allen Dunbar, 
Wm. Reed, 
Lewess Visinoe, 
John Edwards, 
Abe Wilson, 
John Crane, 
Adrian Davenport, 
John Tear, 
Thos. M. Dorris, 
Nathl. S. Anderson, 
James Albin, 
Robert Cox, 
H. O. W. Lane, 
Isaac McIsaac, 
Sm'l L. White, 
W t esley G. Martin, 
James Frazean, 
Thos. Stephens, 
Thos. Johnston, 
Isaac Dorris, 
James D. Kelley, 
E. Brown, 
John Ormsby, 
Frederick Buck, 
Warren Buck, 
L. May, 

Harrison Wilson, 
Joseph Reid, 



William Reid, 
Joseph Thorne, 
robt. scanland, 
Walker Scanland, 
Israel Hale, 
John M. Mullen, 
William Sutton, 
Parker Williams, 
Jsam. Rogers, 
Wm. Ransom, 
Edm. Stokes, 
Nimrod Taylor, 
Edward Farly, 
James Hale, 
John Wood, 
John Hasaltine, 
Thos. E. Craig, 
William Merrell, 
Thos. Hadden, 
Jonathan Nicholson, 
John Goodwyn, 
Joseph Pumroy, 
Ewd. Earminger, 
John Kizer, 
William Ellis, 
William Ellis, Jr., 
John Reid. 
Zachariah Woods, 
Robert Harris, 
Joseph Kenion, 
Timothy Guard, 
Joseph Carey, 



78 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Phil. C. Buckner, Wm. McShakn, 

Samuel Kimberly, Thomas Deckeson, 

Lars Barker, Merril Willis, 

Ebs. Chaffery, Thomas Rasson, 

Reuben Bellah, Willis Whtever, 

James Smith, E. Wilcox, 

James Davis, Thomas Robinson, 

Thorten Tallon, Benjamin Keykendall„ 

Balaam May, Wm. Kinchelas, 

M acker Cheek. 



LETTER OF ROBERT BRENT, PAYMASTER OF 
UNITED STATES ARMY.* 

City of Washington, July 20, 18 12. 

SIR: — The Secretary of War has referred to me your 
letter to him of the 30th ulto. which inclosed muster rolls 
of certain Militia of the Illinois Territory called into 
the actual service of the United States. 

Lieut. Whitlock having long acted as District Paymaster 
of the U. S. in the country which embraces the Illinois 
Territory, will be furnished with funds and instructions to 
make payment to this Militia. When these instructions 
are given him I will take care to call his particular atten- 
tion to the circumstances of advances which may have 
been made by the officers to their men and require him to 
consult with yourself as well as those officers when he is 
about to make payment, and to do in this case what is 
just and equitable. 

* This letter of Col. Brent, of the United States Army, is directed as fol- 
lows: "His Excellency, Governor Edwards, Elvirade, via Sidney Grove, 
Randolph Co., Ills. Terry." 



LETTER OF ROBERT BRENT. 79 

The money would have been advanced as you desired 
to the captains to make payments to the men in the first 
instance, but as the United States have a paymaster there, 
who from long habit is acquainted with all the details of 
that duty, it appears most proper to the Secretary of War, 
as I persuade myself it will to you, that he should be 
charged with that duty. 

So soon as the statement is made from the papers you 
have transmitted at this office, the remittance will be made, 
and you will be duly advised thereof. I have the honor 
to be respectfully, sir, 

Your obt. servt, 

Robert Brent, P. M. U. S. Army. 



LETTER OF M. D. HARDIN.*- 

Frankfort, Aug. 7th, 18 12. 

DEAR SIR: — I march with Col. Allen's regiment, as 
major, to Canada. We rendezvous at Georgetown on the 
15th inst. Col. Jno. M. Scott's regiment and Col. Wm. 
Lewis' of Jessamine, also march, in all, say 1800; we are 
to be joined by the new recruits under Wells, about 400. 

I obtained a judgment against Richardson at the last 
court. He obtained an injunction. I had not filed a bill 
for the title, for I could not ascertain the names of Strode's 
heirs. 

I have put all the papers into the hands of Mr. Isham 
Talbot, and requested him to bring the suit. Peter Dudley 

* Isham Talbot, who is spoken of in this letter, was at the time it was 
written a member of the State Senate of Kentucky, and afterward was 
twice elected United States Senator from that State. 



80 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

goes. You must constitute another attorney in fact if one 
is necessary. In haste. 

Your most obt., 

M. D. Hardin. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards. 

Gov. Harrison has requested a reinforcement. A regi- 
ment of between 500 and 600 is ordered to Vincennes from 
this State. 

Shelby is elected by a large majority. 



LETTER OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM CLARK.* 
Washington City, August 16th, 18 12. 
Dear Sir: — I had the pleasure of receiving your letters 
of the 2nd and 17th of June since my arrival at this place. 
In the first you mention that the Indians were assembling 
in force on the Illinois river, &c. I have been for several 
days conversing with the Secretary on the subject of a 
force in your Territory. He is of my opinion that force 
ought to be in that quarter, but he has not regular force. 
I have urged militia and an establishment above Peoria, 
and hope he may come into the measure. He tells me 
you are authorized to call for militia if necessary. You 
have no doubt heard that Mackinac has fallen into the 
hands of our enemy, and that Chicago is abandoned. I 

* This letter is from Capt. William Clark, who was at the time connected 
with the Indian affairs, and whose residence was at St. Louis. He was a dis- 
tinguished explorer, and the associate of Lewis in the famous " Lewis and 
Clark Expedition." He was appointed governor of Missouri Territory in 
1 813, and continued until the admission of the Territory as a State. It is a 
fact not generally known that Capt. William Clark was a younger brother of 
Gen. George Rogers Clark. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM CLARK. 8 1 

fear the effects which this may produce on the Indians, 

who may be prepared for action. 

Mr. Forsythe's pay is augmented to $600 and three 

rations, as he wished. You say in your last letter that 

the Indians refuse to surrender their murderers; this is an 

additional suspicion of their views and intentions. I hope 

that hostilities may not be commenced until an army gets 

among them from Kentucky, joined with the Territory 

militia. I am making every exertion in my power to have 

force sent to your quarter, both regulars and militia ; can't 

say how I shall succeed, but suspect that the power given 

the governors will be relied on. As to news we have a 

great deal, but so uncertain that I will not undertake to 

relate any. A messenger just now arrived from Halifax. 

The Adjutant-General of Canada visited Gen. Dearborn 

at Albany, and report says a cessation of hostilities is to 

take place for thirty days. Accept the assurance of my 

highest respect and esteem. 

Your obt. servt., 

Wm. Clark. 
His Excellency Gov. EDWARDS, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF JOHN HAYS* 
Gov. Edwards: 

Sir: — I had the honor of just receiving your letter of 

* John Hays was born in New York, and immigrated to Cahokia in 1793, 
where he lived and died. His early life was passed in the fur-trade at Mack- 
inac, the Lake of the Woods, and the sources of the Mississippi. Written 
during the war, in reply to Governor Edwards seeking certain information, 

6 



82 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

19th inst. by jiiail, and agreeable to your request I answer 
your queries: 

The route from Montreal to Michilimakanac by the 
Grand river is called nine hundred miles, the most difficult 
route, perhaps, in the world. There are thirty-six carry- 
ing places where all the goods are carried on men's backs 
over those portages, and in most of those places the bark 
canoes are likewise carried on men's shoulders. There are 
likewise thirty-six places where half-canoe loads are car- 
ried owing to the great rapids. What is meant by half- 
loads, the canoe starts half-loaded and deposits the half- 
load at a certain place, and then returns for the other 
half-load. No boats of any kind can ascend this river,, 
only bark canoes, which carry about seven thousand 
weight, or seventy pieces weighing one hundred pounds 
each; every man carries two of those pieces over each 
carrying place. Those canoes are navigated by ten, some- 
times eleven men, with paddles. By this route all the 
merchandize from Montreal is carried to the Grand port- 
age, Nippegand, Arthabaska, and all the other wintering 
places in Lake Superior, and the peltries return by same 
route; but a few years past all the merchandize from Mon- 
treal to Mackanac was taken there by the same route. I 
have come myself from Montreal to Mackanac by this 
river. The Fort St. Josephs is about seventeen leagues 
from Mackanac ; it is an island about three leagues in 
length, pretty high land, about two leagues from mainland, 

his letter, as written, shows him to have been a well-educated and intelligent 
man. He was, for a very long number of years, postmaster at Cahokia, and 
the sheriff of St. Clair County from 1798 to 1818. 



LETTER OF JOHN HAYS. S$ 

and twelve leagues from Sou St. Mary's, and about six 
hundred miles from Grand portage. There is generally 
about sixty or seventy men at St. Josephs ; a captain 
commands these. Sometimes assembles at the Grand port- 
age, about fifteen or sixteen hundred men, generally in the 
spring, the latter end of May or in June; in the fall th'ey 
are mostly all gone to their wintering grounds. I have 
never known more than a full company to be stationed at 
Mackanac. Goods may be brought from St. Josephs along 
the mainland and by the Island of Mackanac within six 
miles. Those brought the last fall into the Mississippi by 
Mr. Dickson and others were brought that route. Mr. 
Chenier nor no other person has yet arrived from Macka- 
nac. Knowing the difficulty for troops reaching that 
country by any other route than by Detroit, I can not help 
but concur with your opinion that Mackanac is not taken. 

I have not given your excellency, at this time, as am- 
ple a description of the country as I could wish, thinking 
you would wish to have it immediately, but as it is, your 
excellency may rely on its correctness, as I have myself 
been over the route. I am, very respectfully, 
Your excellency's ob't. serv't., 

John Hays. 

20th Aug., 1812. 

You will be pleased to excuse haste and my scrawl. 



LETTERS OF ROBERT BRENT. 

City of Washington, Nov. 7th, 18 12. 
SIR: — I have received your letter of 4th ulto. relative to 
the pay of Captain Whiteside's company of rangers, and 



84 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

those companies which you have had in service since last 
spring of the militia. 

Lieut. Ambrose Whitlock having- been long since au- 
thorized and instructed to pay all descriptions of troops 
within his district, of which Indiana forms a part, and 
especially instructed as to Capt. Whiteside's company of 
rangers. It might rather retard than forward their pay- 
ment were I now to countermand the order to him and 
direct them to be paid by Mr. Pope, into whose hands I 
should not be authorized to place or direct funds to be 
placed until he has given bond and received the necessary 
instructions, which would consume much time in a corre- 
spondence with this place. 

I have called Lieut. Whitlock's attention to this subject 
again. I flatter myself however before this reaches your 
hands he will have made the payment to Capt. Whiteside's 
company as well as to the other troops and militia in the 
Illinois Territory. 

We shall in a few days complete a statement of the 
moneys due to the militia of Illinois Territory in the years 
18 1 1 and 1812 from the rolls rendered to this office, and 
the money will be forwarded in a few days. I have the 
honor to be, sir, Your mo. obt. servt. 

Robert Brent, P. M., U. S. Army. 

The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois Territory, Kaskaskia. 

City of Washington, November 19, 18 12. 
SIR: — I have this day instructed Lieut. Ambrose Whit- 
lock, District Paymaster, at Vincennes, Indiana Territory, 



LETTER OF ROBERT BRENT. 85 

to pay certain militia of your Territory which were called 
into service in the year 181 1, as also certain other militia 
of your Territory for services rendered in the year 18 12, 
previous' to the 5th of July. 

The amount ($7,409 94) has been ascertained in my 
office from the muster rolls received by me, and Lieut. 
Whitlock is authorized to draw on me for the same. 

I have transmitted to Lieut. Whitlock a duplicate set of 
the pay-rolls and abstracts duly certified by me, setting 
forth the precise sum due each man. I am very respect- 
fully, sir, Your mo. obt., 

Robert JBrent, P. M., U. S. Army. 

His Excellency N in J an Edwards, 

Governor of the Territory of Illinois, Kaskaskia. 



LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG." 

Camp Russell, Nov. 16th, 1812. 
DEAR Sir: — This comes to inform you that I have arrived 
last evening from Peoria, and am at a loss to know what 
to do, as I have a number of the inhabitants of that place 
as prisoners with me, and a considerable quantity of prop- 
erty of different Sioux chiefs. I wish very much to see 
you or hear from you as soon as possible. I am, dear sir, 

Your most obdt. 

Thos. E. Craig, 
Governor Edwards. 

* This letter from Capt. Thomas E. Craig to Governor Edwards was written 
after his return from the Peoria expedition, which has been heretofore alluded 
to. 



86 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG." 

Shawneetown, III. Territory, 
ioth Dec, 1812. 
Governor EDWARDS: 

Sir: — No chance sooner has offered for the conveyance 
of a letter to you. Since my return home, I felt anxious 
to communicate the charges I have against Thomas For- 
sythe & Company or the citizens of Peoria. Forsythe, 
from every appearance, was chief commander. Sir, agree- 
able to your orders I went to Peoria with my company on 
board the boats placed under my command. I landed at 
Peoria on the 5th day November, and left that place on 
the 9th. On my way, not far below Peoria, I met two 
canoes loaded mostly with squaws and children, accom- 
panied by five men. They were brought to the boats. 
They said they were running from the Indians on their 
way to Partushdism. I kept one of the men on board my 
boat the balance past. This was a Frenchman, called 
Polete; he said the Indians had told him what your men 
had done, &c, and that they had seen Benet and Nail with 
you, and on that account had got mad with the French. 

After fixing out my sentinels at Peoria at a proper dis- 
tance, I marched my company through the village, where I 
found the doors of the houses open, and all the property 
left appeared like entire loss to the owners. I hourly 
expected you or Gen. Hopkins' army at that place. I 

* This letter from Thomas E. Craig to Governor Edwards is in the shape 
of a report of his expedition to Peoria, and in that point of view is quite 
interesting. He was evidently in a high state of excitement in regard to cer- 
tain parties at Peoria, of whom he speaks as "Dam'd Rascals", a characteri- 
zation which would seem to be out of place in an official report. 



LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG. 8/ 

thought the property they had left might be taken as a 
prize. I thought no men more deserving than my own, 
all the property that could be found was put on board 
the boats. We made use of some pork and ate the fowls, 
the pork I paid for. On the evening of the same day I 
landed there I was anchored in the river or lake opposite; 
at dark I saw a canoe with six men, about one mile below 
me; they appeared to be in great haste. I thought them 
to be Indians, as they appeared to shun us. I sent some 
men and had them brought to the boats. They were the 
company of Forsythe. I unarmed them and took them on 
board the boats. They told me that Forsythe had sent 
them on to see what we were doing. At the same time he 
might have come himself or written to me by them. This 
was the first I had ever heard of his coming. He was then 
a little distance below T Peoria. The next' morning his men 
wanted to meet him. I released four and kept two. The 
evening after, Forsythe came with about 25 men and all 
the squaws and children we had met. After going through 
the proper ceremony, was admitted to pass. From the 
recommendation I had got of Mr. Forsythe, I was glad to 
see him. They took up their dwelling in town, I suspect, 
as usual. 

I asked Forsythe if he Would anchor in the lake with me 
that night. He said not. I asked him if he was not afraid 
of the Indians. He said they were all gone, and he appre- 
hended no danger, and I believe none of the citizens, from 
their actions. The sentinels on board my boats could hear 
and see them passing through town with candles, and hear 
canoes crossing the river all night for several nights. We 



88 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

would land in the morning to cook, and see fresh horse- 
tracks in town. There is no doubt but they were Indians. 
Forsythe and myself were in company every day. On the 
third day, Forsythe made application for the property we 
had got in town. He said it belonged to him and the citi- 
zens. I, without hesitation, landed the boats and let them 
take all they claimed, except some of my own cooking 
tools and the peltry and property that came out of Lecroix 
and Besong's house, as I was told they were in Canada, 
trading with the British. This property I hold as a prize 
for the use of my company — tho' subject to your order. 
Forsythe and myself lived in this way, I thought perfectly 
friendly, for six or seven days. I am convinced the French 
knew of your return, and did tell him, but not me. They 
were in counsel every day, and did detain Governor How- 
ard's express against his will after my letting him have 
rations to bring him down. I asked Mr. Forsythe when he 
expected you at that place. He said he was convinced 
that you were about 90 miles above Peoria, at a place 
called Flat Island, and would be there in the course of 6 
or 7 days. About midnight of the 6th Novr., the wind 
blew so hard in the lake that we were forced to drop the 
boats about one-quarter of a mile below Peoria. We there 
cast anchor. The wind still continued to blow with such 
force that it broke our cable, and drifted the armed boat 
on shore. It was at that time very dark, and our anchor 
lost. I thought myself secure, as it was impossible for the 
Indians to discover us before daylight, except they were in 
town at the time we passed. Betwixt the break of day 
and daylight I opened the cabin door and was talking with 



LETTER OF THOMAS E. CRAIG. 89 

the sentinel on the stern deck; we had spoke but few 
words before we were fired on, by, I think, ten or more 
guns, not more than thirty yards from the boat. The men 
were instantly fixed for battle, but was disappointed, as 
they made their escape immediately. We only heard them 
yelp after the fire. So soon as it was clear daylight, I had 
the boats landed about the centre of the village, and sent 
to know what had become of the citizens. They said they 
had heard nor seen nothing. I then sent to the place from 
which we were fired on. There were tracks plenty leading 
from that place up to the village. This was what I ex- 
pected. I instantly had them all taken prisoners, except 
Howard's express. They were all in Forsythe's house with 
their guns. Their guns appeared to be just fired; the most 
of them were empty. I gave them time to collect their 
property, which was done immediately. Forsythe said his 
cattle would be lost. I told him to take four of his men 
and hunt his cattle. That I would wait two days longer, 
and that he might drive them through the way he said he 
wanted to take them. He said it was too late, his cattle 
was gone, &c. Howard's express came on board my boat 
and told me that seven of the citizens went out, they said 
to hunt beef, that morning we were fired on. They started 
about the break of day and returned by daylight. He 
said perhaps there were more, for they never would let him 
know what they were going to do, and would talk together 
in his absence. He said he wanted to come with the six 
men in the canoe, but Forsythe would not let him. We 
staid two days after they were taken prisoners. I made 
them furnish their own rations all the" time I kept them. 



90 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I burnt down about half the town Peoria, and should have 
burnt the whole and destroyed all the stock, but still 
expected Hopkins' army to pass that place. There was a 
keg of powder buried in Lecroix's house. While burning 
down, I found four American muskets in their possession 
and one keg of musket-balls, and one musket in Forsythe's 
house under the floor and some brass musket -moulds. 
On our way down the river, they were all unarmed, I gave 
them permission to camp on shore while I anchored in the 
river. They always preferred the Indian side for their 
camping ground. Forsythe appeared sulky and obstinate; 
in fact, every part of his conduct gave rise to the strongest 
suspicion of his not being a friend, and, in short, I am well 
convinced that the citizens done nothing, but what he was 
knowing too; he claimed property after refusing to take it 
at Peoria. He got all his property, and I am afraid more. 
He and the rest of the dam'd rascals may think themselves 
well off that they were not scalped. I find it impossible 
for me to describe his conduct in a proper manner. I have 
been very unwell since my return home. I can scarcely 
sit up to write you; but mending. 

I have the honor to be, sir, your humble servant, 

Thos. E. Craig. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor and Commander-in-Chief, &c, 
of Illinois Territory, Elvirade. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Letter of Joseph Charless; printing laws of Illinois Territory; letters 
of Shadrach Bond to Governor Edwards while delegate to Con- 
gress; Edward Hempstead first delegate from Missouri Terri- 
tory; resolution of the Legislature of Illinois Territory, respect- 
ing the partial introduction of negroes to carry on the salt-works; 
thinks it "would make a fuss with some"; "the feds." smile 
when the news of Winchester's defeat was announced in the 
House of Congress; calling of an extra session of Congress 
"to Play the Deviel with Western delegates"; Bond leaves 
"Racoon Grove" for Washington; wants a guard; letter of 
M. D. Hardin; speculations touching the war; letter of Mr. 
Bond; successors to Judges Stuart and Griswold; the latter a 
good lawyer, paid his debts, and sung David's Psalms; Judge 
Sprigg, the successor of Judge Stuart; his contempt for street 
politics; presentment of the grand jury against the judges of 
the Territory for non-attendance and non-residence; letter of 
Edward Tiffin; his public services; letter of Shadrach Bond; 
an intelligent, faithful, and vigilant representative of the people; 
his address to his constituents. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH CHARLESS. 

St. Louis, Jan. 3d, 1813. 
SIR: — Your communications were received on Friday- 
last, consequently too late for Saturday's paper. They 
will be published in this week's Gazette. The manuscript 
which was handed to me by Governor Howard, (your 
"View of the Upper Country," &c), I am at a loss to 



92 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

know what has become of it, having searched my house 
and office in vain. 

My young men who are accustomed to set type from 
manuscript copy, were on militia duty up the Illinois when 
it was received, and as soon as they returned home I in- 
tended to publish it, but it could not be found, nor could 
I discover what had become of it. 

For the publication of your address to the St. Clair 
militia I deserve no thanks, for I am, and my press will 
ever be open, to rescue the deserving from obloquy and 
to give merit its due. In this, I look for no other reward 
than a consciousness of having done my duty. 

You mention your having been authorized to have the 
laws printed. I have on the other side made a proposal, 
which is the Kentucky price, adding 25 per cent. I have 
a young man (now out of his apprenticeship) whom I 
should wish to employ, and I would thank you if you 
would let me know as soon as convenient, as he will wait 
in this place only for your answer. The bill of printing is 
as low as I can possibly do it, and I will not hesitate to 
say that I am as capable of performing the work in as cor- 
rect a manner as any other printer in the Western country. 
The first volumns of Vesey's general reports, and East's, 
the continuation of Dunford & East's reports, which I 
printed for P. Byrne, in Philadelphia, is some criterion of 
correct work. And you will allow that I have claims for a 
preference, under a promise that if I would publish the 
laws in my paper I should have the volume to print. I 
published in the Gazette every law that came to hand. I 
am so bound to this place I cannot leave it for more than 






LETTER OF JOSEPH CHARLESS. 93 

a day. My wife is in a very precarious state of health, 
added to this, should I quit my office for three or four days 
no paper could be issued that week. If I knew when you 
intended visiting Cahokia shortly I would be happy to see 
you, but as my principal help in the execution of your 
book is on the wing I would be glad to know your senti- 
ments soon. I am, respectfully, 

Your friend, 

Joseph Charless. 
His Excellency NlNlAN Edwards. 



LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND* 

Washington City, February 7th, 1813. 
DEAR Sir: — No mail from your country for three weeks 
past, of course know but little what you are about. Even 
since here I have been urging the necessity of more rang- 
ers being placed on our frontiers ; have laid your plans 
before the Secretary of War, as well as recommending 

* The above letter is the first of a large number of letters addressed by Mr. 
Bond to Governor Edwards during the time he was a delegate. As appears, 
according to the proceedings of Congress, on the 3d day of December, 1812 
" Shadrach Bond returned to serve as the delegate in the House for the Illinois 
Territory; appeared, was qualified, and took his seat." The "Mr. H. " whom 
Mr. Bond refers to, as having agreed with him "to submit a resolution," etc., 
was undoubtedly the Hon. Edward Hempstead, who was then in Congress as 
the first delegate from the Territory of Missouri, and who was the first man 
who ever sat in the halls of Congress from the west side of the Mississippi 
River. I have not in hand the resolution referred to, " respecting the partial 
.introduction of negroes to carry on the salt-works. " He was quite right in 
supposing that it would "make a fuss with some," and he well doubted about 
its "success.*" Congress never passed any such law. 

As to the postscript touching the time of his election, the committee 
reported that he was to hold his seat for two years from the time of his elec- 
tion. 



94 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

you to the command of the troops which may be sent 
there; all of which I have received no positive answer to 
yet. The resolutions which you sent me from the Terri- 
torial Legislature, respecting rangers, I laid before Con- 
gress; they were referred to the committee of military 
affairs; after some time they asked for and obtained leave 
to refer them to the Secretary of War, there I expect they 
are hung up to dry. Mr. Hempstead and myself jointly 
recommended an expedition against the Indians early in 
the spring. To this we have received no answer. A few 
days ago, we understood, a cabinet council was held, in 
which, report says, it was agreed on to build a chain of 
forts from Chicago to the mouth of Illinois river, from 
thence across the Mississippi, so as to include the settle- 
ment of St. Charles. This plan, I fear, will not protect 
our frontier settlements. Finding none of our plans ap- 
proved of, on Thursday Mr. H. and myself agreed to sub- 
mit a resolution to authorize the raising of ten companies 
of mounted riflemen for the protection of our frontiers. I 
cannot say whether this plan will be agreed to or not, but 
I mean to continue trying for protection as long as Con- 
gress is in session. 

The letter you sent me has been published. Your ad- 
dress on discharging your army, Mr. Gales, says it is im- 
possible for him to publish at the present. I have advised 
with some of my friends here about getting a law passed 
to compel the judges of our Territory to hold a court of 
chancery. They have advised me to let it rest until a 
copy of the laws comes on, as directed by the ordinance of 
the Territory. 






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LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. 95 

Yesterday the bill granting the right of pre-emption to 
all settlers on public land in the Illinois Territory, with the 
exception of town lots, &c, was sent to the President for 
his signature. 

The different resolutions which I have received from our 
Legislature are before Congress. The one respecting the 
partial introduction of negroes to carry on the salt-works, 
I suppose, will make a fuss with some. I felt myself bound 
to obey the instructions, and there is a bill before the 
House now on the subject; I have doubts about its success. 
On Thursday, Gen. Armstrong, Secretary of War, arrived 
in this city, and has taken possession of that office. I 
have taken some pains to write as well as send you docu- 
ments, but as the mail is so uncertain it is probable I may 
get home before they arrive. Respects to Mrs. Edwards 
and family, Maj. S. and family. I am, dear sir, 

Yours, respectfully, 

S. Bond. 

P. S. — The committee is to act on the time of my elec- 
tion to-morrow. S. B. 
His Excellency NlNIAN EDWARDS, 
Governor of Illinois Territory. 

Washington City, February 13th, 18 13. 
Dear Sir: — Yesterday I received yours of the 16th, 
19th, and 20th of last month; much surprised that you 
have not heard from me, for I have wrote every four or 
five days since at this place to you as well as others of 
your neighborhood. This morning I laid your letter be- 
fore the President. He says he will consider its contents; 
but I fear he does not think we are in as much danger as 



96 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

we really are. Ever since at this place I have been urging 
the necessity of a strong force on our frontiers, which did 
not receive the attention I thought it ought, still I was 
determined to plague them if I got nothing done. On 
Thursday I went to see the Secretary of War again, and 
at length he consented to write a note to the committee of 
military affairs and recommend the raising of ten com- 
panies of rangers for the protection of the Western fron- 
tiers. Yesterday morning I laid it before the committee, 
and thj^ morning the chairman reported a bill in favour, 
which in the course of one hour went through all its neces- 
sary operations in the House of Representatives and was 
sent to the Senate, which I expect they will pass, tho' I 
think this force is not sufficient, yet it is all that could be 
obtained. I think ere this you must have received mine, 
which informs you of your re-appointment. Your requests 
shall be attended to. A few days ago we received the 
melancholy news of Gen. Winchester's defeat, which you 
must have a detail of long ere you get this. Since the 
arrival of the news, this place appears to be in mourning, 
except a part of the feds, who could smile when the news 
was announced in the House of Congress, since which time 
there has been more pleasure pictured in their counten- 
ances than I have seen since at this place. The committee 
to whom was referred my resolution to inquire what alter- 
ations was necessary to be made to the law extending the 
right of suffrage in Illinois Territory have agreed to report 
on Monday morning that I am entitled to my seat for two 
years from the time of my election. The speaker says he 
has no doubt of my having a seat for that time, and that I 



LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. 97 

ought not have brought forward the resolution. I am sure 
of success. This is all the news but what I have given you 
before. Respects to Mrs. Edwards and family. 

Your friend, S. Bond. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois Territory. 

Washington City, February 25th, 18 13. 
DEAR Sir: — The ten companies of rangers to be raised 
under a late law for the protection of the Northwestern 
frontiers are divided as follows: Four companies for In- 
diana, three for Illinois, and three for Missouri, all of 
whom to be raised in the different Territories. The Sec- 
retary of War has at this moment directed me to inform 
you that the men may form into a company and choose 
their officers, which must be returned to you, and you to 
forward the same to the Secretary of War, and then he 
will immediately forward the commissions. The men and 
officers will be considered as entitled to pay from the time 
the returns are received by you. This day I expect a bill 
will pass this House for an extra session of Congress to 
meet I expect the last of May or first of June. This will 
Play the Deviel with us Western Delegates.* I shall be with 
you about the time of your court. It would be well to 
have the companies raised as soon as possible. I have 
informed Col. Tramell of the above and recommend him 
to have one company raised immediately. I shall leave 

* The fear expressed by Mr. Bond that the calling of an extra session of 
Congress would "Play the Deviel with us Western delegates", is somewhat 
amusing. The Colonel Trammell referred to was a member of the Territorial 
Legislature from Gallatin County for the first and second sessions. 

7 



98 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

you to inform the balance of the Territory what is to be 

done. 

Your friend, S. Bond. 

P. S. — Mr. Armstrong approves of your plan of gun- 
boats, but has not as yet informed me what other force 
than the rangers are to be for us. S. B. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards. 
Governor of Illinois Territory. 

Racoon Grove, April 26th, 18 13. 

DEAR Sir: — I expect to be at Kaskaskia about Monday 

next, on my way to Washington. As I understand the 

Indians have been troublesome on the road, I shall be glad 

to be furnished with a guard, at least to Capt. Griffith's. 

I expect Mrs. Bond and my niece to accompany me. You 

will do me a favour in furnishing me with the number of 

Indians belonging to each nation that is at war with us, or 

that probably will be at war this season. I find money so 

hard to collect that I shall be compelled to call on you for 

some. I have thought the route by the coal banks will be 

the best to Mr. Ferguson's ferry. I must ask the favour 

of you to make the inquiry, and let me know by mail if 

you can furnish a guard. Your Friend, 

S. Bond. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Kaskaskia. 



LETTER OF M. D. HARDIN. 

Frankfort, May 25th, 18 13. 
Dear Sir: — I received your letter of the 12th ult° about 



LETTER OF M. D. HARDIN. 99 

a week ago. When I started out for the army, I put your 
papers into the hands of Talbot and requested him to take 
the proper steps for you. When I came back I found that 
literally nothing had been done on your part, but that 
Richardson on his bill filed had advertised against you and 
pressed for a decree on the bill. I got a postponement, 
and had ordered a copy of the bill to be made out, to 
forward to you, when I rec'd your letter. I now enclose it. 

Peter Dudley stayed at home but a few weeks, and went 
out at the head of a fine company of volunteers from this 
county. His return is uncertain, as he had a strong dis- 
position to join the regular army. My engagement you 
must be convinced, from the little I have yet done in your 
business, precludes my giving it that attention it merits. 
Talbot did nothing in it. I therefore advise you to appoint 
some other person to be your agent or att° in fact. In 
addition to my former engagement, Col. Allen's business, 
professional and private, and the business of my office 
having devolved on me since my return, put it entirely out 
of my power to attend to any business out of court. 

Maj. Voorhies wants to buy the plantation and offers 
notes. He will give $2000 in paper, with interest from the 
time he receives possession for the tract, independent of 
the part Ratliff claims, and $1000 more in good paper with 
interest from the time a title is made to the part claimed 
by Ratliff. 

He has lodged (as he is now in the army) with me notes 
for $2000, if you would close with him. He offered to 
Richardson the same offer, but Richardson was not willing 
to do anything toward paying interest or rent, since he had 



100 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the land. If you close with Voorhies would it not be as 
well to agree in your answer, after denying the fraud, &c, 
to canceling the contract. Voorhies stands a better chance, 
I believe, to compromise with Strode's heirs, &c, than any 
other person I know. 

Those who know the situation of Canada, the lakes, the 
course of trade, &c, &c, have long seen that Maiden is not 
of half as much importance now as it was at the commence- 
ment of the war. Its great importance then was to strike 
a blow, take an imposing attitude, and awe the Indians into 
respect and neutrality. These objects are now lost — per- 
haps entirely beyond our reach — this war. The fall of 
Maiden, if the enemy held the other posts, would be of 
little consequence. If we begin to get foothold on the 
other side of the line, Maiden should then be taken, not as 
a principal object, but as one rallying-point of the enemy. 

From your letter I conjecture you imagined that the 
officers of the N. W. army generally considered that post 
as of the first magnitude. I can assure you that the com- 
mander of that army, and most of the officers with whom 
I conversed, confidentially entertained a different opinion 
of its intrinsic importance after Hull's surrender than pub- 
lic rumour seemed to have affixed to it. v? 

A report that seems entitled to credit has reached us 
that on the 18th inst, Dearborn took Fort George. De- 
tails not rec'd. Yours respectfully, M. D. HARDIN. 

His Exc'y N. Edwards. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND, IOI 

LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. 

Washington City, June 7th, 1813. 

DEAR Sir: — Last evening I arrived at this place in 
good health as well as Mrs. Bond. I have just taken my 
seat and find nothing done by Congress worth relating. 
We this moment received the news of the capture of the 
frigate Chesapeake by the Shannon. It is said the British 
colors was flying on the Chesapeake in twenty-one min- 
utes after the engagement commenced. This leads people 
here to believe the report is not true. As soon as any cer- 
tain account arrives, you shall have it. Forts George and 
Erie are taken by Gen. Dearborn, with but little loss. 

In yours of the 4th ult, I find some one blaming me for 
recommending Murdock for major of the rangers. This 
I ought not to be blamed with, for as you well know he 
was recommended by the Legislature of the Territory, 
and I felt myself bound to lay it before the Secretary of 
War. I agree with you, that each one shall enjoy his own 
opinion, and rest assured that I shall act with candor and 
sincerity towards you. I wished much to have seen you 
before I left the Territory, for a number of reasons, one 
of which was to have consulted you about the successor of 
Judge Stuart, as well as Judge Griswold,* for 1 am told he 
intends to resign. I hope you will write me on that sub- 

* The Judge Griswold referred to by Mr. Bond was appointed to the bench 
of the Illinois District Court, March 16th, 1810. Judge Stanley Griswold 
was born in Connecticut in 1768, and was a preacher in his early days. He 
afterward studied law. He was appointed by President Jefferson secretary of 
Michigan Territory in 1805. He afterward removed to Ohio, and was 
appointed United States senator to fill a vacancy, serving from June 2, 1809, 
to January 12th, 1810. He was appointed judge of the Illinois Territory as 
above stated, and only a short time after the expiration of his senatorial ser- 



io: 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



ject and let me have the news of that place as often as 

convenient. Your friend, 

S. Bond. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Russelville, Kentucky. 

Washington City, July nth, 1813. 

Dear Sir: — I have just received yours of the 15th u'lt, 
as well as others of an earlier date. I find the militia 
have not been paid. The paymaster has promised me 
that he will send on the money Tuesday next to Capt. 
Whitlock, with directions not only to pay the militia that 
done service subsequent to the 4th of July, but to pay all 
the mounted men that furnished their own rations and for- 
age. He says there is no law to authorize him to pay the 
infant ry for rations, but that the contractor ought to do it, 
and then to charge the United States with the same. 
Would it not be well for you to make some arrangements 
with Mr. Morrison for the men? Yesterday the bill passed 
the House of Representatives to continue in force one 
year from the date and to the end of the next session of 
Congress, the law authorizing the raising of the first seven 
companies of rangers. I think Congress will be able to 
rise in about eight or ten days. We have no news but 
what you will get in your papers. Respects to Mrs. Ed- 
wards. Your friend, S. BOND. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Russelville, Kentucky. 

vice. Governor Reynolds, in his "Pioneer History", says that "Stanley Gris- 
wold was a correct, honest man, a good lawyer, paid his debts, and sung 
David's Psalms." He died at Shawneetown, Illinois, August 21st, 1815. 



letter of shadrach bond, 103 

Westminster, Frederick County, Md, 
August 17th, 181 3. 

DEAR Sir: — The day before Congress rose I received 
yours of the 14th ult. Glad to hear that you have had the 
happy meeting of your family and that you are all well. 
I rather think the muster rolls you allude to never came 
to hand, or I should have heard of them. If you will for- 
ward an account for your extra services as well as expenses 
against the next session of Congress, I will attend to it, 
and endeavor to have it paid. Some time since I wrote 
you in what manner our militia could get pay for their 
rations. Judge Sprigg* fills the place of Stuart. The grand 
jury of St. Clair and Randolph counties presented all our 
judges for non-residence and non-attendance, but before 
they arrived Judge Stuart resigned. I should have laid 
them before Congress, but the speaker decided that the 
presentments had no right .to come before the House, as 
the jury had not directed it. 

The law authorizing the first rangers to be raised is re- 
vised and to continue in force one year from the date and 
to the end of the next session' of Congress. Mr. Arm- 
strong has promised that Capt. Wm, B. Whiteside and his 
officers shall be kept in the ranging service. I am sorry 
that the nomination of all the officers was made for the 
last three companies of rangers before I knew that Harri- 

* Judge Sprigg was appointed to fill the place of Judge Stuart. He was a 
Marylander of excellent family, a brother of his having been governor of that 
State. He is represented as a man of a strong, discriminating mind, a good 
lawyer, an excellent judge, and withal a fine classical scholar. Governor Rey- 
nolds represents him as having an utter contempt for street politics. 



104 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

son Wilson wished an appointment. I wrote you before 
that the committee of public lands had refused to act on 
the report of our late board of commissioners until the 
next session of Congress. I got a bill before the House 
for opening the road from Shawneetown to Kaskaskia, but 
it was laid over until next session. 1 We are in good health. 
Mrs. Bond joins me in respects to you and Mrs. Edwards. 
Please write me at this place, as I shall stay here until the 
next session. I am, sir, Your friend, 

S. Bond. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois Territory. 

Russellville, Ky. 



LETTER OF EDWARD TIFFIN * 
Treasury Department, General Land Office, 

September 8th, 1813. 
Sir: — Yours of the 17th ultimo has been received. In 
answer to which I can only call your attention (to the in- 
structions given by the Secretary of the Treasury on the 
25th of August, 1809,) to the late lease and my former 
communication. The present embarrassed state of the 
country on account of the Indian depredations will in- 
evitably leave much to the exercise of your sound discre- 

* Edward Tiffin was an Englishman by birth, coming to this country when 
ten years old. He was a physician by profession, and had occupied many dis- 
tinguished positions in Ohio. He was a senator from that State, serving about 
two years, when he resigned, and was appointed by President Madison the 
first commissioner of the General Land Office, serving from May 7th, 1812, 
to October nth, 1814. He died at Chillicothe, Ohio, which had always been 
his residence, August 9th, 1829. 



LETTER OF EDWARD TIFFIN. 10$ 

tion; but keeping the great leading objects of the Govern- 
ment in view, of which you are already well informed, 
relative to the Saline, and retaining a clause subjecting the 
terms to the approbation of the President of the United 
States, you cannot fail in discharging this trust satisfac- 
torily. 

In case the old lessees do not again take the works, I 
do suppose, the new ones ought to pay the value of the 
improvements. 

With great respect, I have the honor to be, sir, 
Your obt. servt, 

Edward Tiffin. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Illinois Territory, at Russellville, 

Logan County, Kent'y. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND.* 

Washington City, December ioth, 1813. 
Dear Sir: — I should have wrote you long since, but 
not knowing where you was, I omitted it to the present. 
I am just informed that our legislature is in session, con- 
sequently I expect you are at Kaskaskia, and have for- 
warded you the president's message. There is one other 
message before the House of a secret nature; it has been 
before the House this two days, and probably will be for 
some time to come. I have heard that Genl. Howard has 
had an expedition into the Indian country, and from some 

* This letter was written at the time during the War of 1812, when the 
House was in the habit of going into secret session to discuss war measures. 



106 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

accounts I am led to believe he has not the good-will of 
the men as much as you had on your campaign of last 
year. Mrs. Bond and myself are in tolerable health ; hope 
you and family are well. I hope you will still give me the 
news of the Territory. I shall give you the news of this 
place as it comes to hand, such as I think you have not 
had before I could send it. Respects to Mrs. Edwards 
and friends. Your friend, S. BOND. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois T'ry, 

Kaskaskia. 

Washington City, December 23d, 18 13. 

Dear Sir: — Two days ago I had the honor to receive 
yours of the 1 8th and 30th ult., the business of which shall 
be attended to as soon as possible; tho' that which has to 
go to the War Department must lay over until Genl. Arm- 
strong arrives from the Canada lines. There is an imbargo 
law passed, a copy of which I have sent you. I have some 
hopes of getting a road from Shawneetown to Kaskaskia, 
but am afraid that nothing more can be done for the set- 
tlers on the public land in the district set apart for the 
location of claims. Last summer, Capt. Whitlock was 
ordered to pay our militia. I have been furnished with a 
copy of his letter to Mr. Brent, in which he states that the 
muster rolls are so vague that he can not decide on them 
without positive instructions. This business must, of course, 
lay over until Genl. Armstrong arrives, and then I hope it 
will be rectified. I shall push the business as fast as possi- 
ble, for I expect the people have got out of all patience 






LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. IO? 

about their pay, and no wonder if they have. This day I 
have had a consultation with the president and Mr. Tiffin, 
respecting the saline. I expect you will be ordered to 
lease them again, and perhaps to limit the lessees in the 
price. No news more than you will get in the papers. Mr. 
Sharp has received a letter from Mr. Laine, and as he is to 
be here the first of next month, we have agreed to let your 
business lay until he arrives, and then attend to it. 
Respects to Major Stephenson and family. 

Your friend, S. BOND. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois T'y, 

Kaskaskia. 

Washington City, February 5th, 18 14. 
Dear Sir: — As soon as I understood that Capt.Whitlock 
had refused to pay the rangers of Illinois Territory for the 
time they were in service before the officers were commis- 
sioned, I applied to the secretary of war and to the pay- 
master gen'l to have them paid. Our district paymaster 
was on the 4th instant ordered to go and pay them, under 
the same arrangements and provisions as those of Indiana, 
for which orders were issued on the 29th ult., they being 
first on the list, of course the instructions given for our 
Territory has reference to them. I will enclose you a copy 
of each instructions. You will see by those of 29th ult. 
what kind of proof is necessary to authorize payment. I 
hope you will have the muster rolls prepared against Capt. 
Whitlock arrives there, that the people may not lay out 
of their money any longer. We have some resolutions 



108 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

before the Committee of Military Affairs to continue the 
rangers in service during the war; for giving a bounty in 
money and land to those who will continue in the service; 
and to compensate the rangers for any damages sustained 
while in actual service, by loss of horses or equipments* 
without any fault or negligence on their part. Should this 
be passed into a law, I will give you the earliest informa- 
tion. I am respectfully, your obt. servt, S. BOND. 

P. S. — Your muster rolls of last summer all appear as 
mounted militia, and no rangers. The three additional 
companies of rangers ought to be paid as such from the 
time you received them into that service. S. B. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory. 

Washington City, February 12th, 18 14. 
DEAR Sir: — Tho' I frequently called on the secretary 
of war for the purpose of knowing whether he would take 
your relation and Capt. Whiteside's son into the military 
school, I never could get an answer until this day. He has 
requested me to inform you that the barracks are already 
filled. That he has ordered more to be built, which will 
be finished by September next, and then it is probable 
those young men may be taken into the school. He has 
also informed me today that he can not pay your acc't 
for extra services as governor and comdr.-in-chief of the 
Illinois Territory. He says you can not be paid as gov'r 
and commander of militia at the same time. He has 
promised me an answer in a few days about your staff 
officers. I fear but few of them will be paid; tho' I will 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND. 109 

use every effort in their favour, as well as yours. In my 
last, I informed you that Capt. Whitlock was ordered to 
pay the rangers for their services from the time you rec'd 
them into the service as rangers. 

I am sorry to learn that Gen'l Howard has discharged 
Capt. Wm. B. Whiteside and company from the service. 
When I first heard of their discharge, I supposed it was 
done without authority; but the secretary informs me that 
General Howard was authorized to discharge as many 
companies as he saw fit. The military committee has 
reported a bill to continue in service one year longer the 
ten additional companies of rangers, which I think will 
pass. But if it is treated as was the law of last July, to 
continue the first rangers in the service, we may as well be 
without it. 

I think Gen'l Howard was to blame for discharging the 
companies which he has, particularly at a season of the 
year when they are entirely flung out of any employ; all 
of which I have stated to the secretary of war. He seems 
disposed to justify Howard, and not to grant relief to the 
rangers. The Committee of Public Lands have just got 
through the examination of the report of the late Kaskas- 
kia commissioners, and are prepared to report a bill in 
favour, and to provide for the location of unlocated claims, 
tho' not as the Legislature wished. The district will be 
enlarged and the settlers secured in their pre-emptions. 
Your obt. servt., S. Bond. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Sydney Grove. 



110 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Washington City, February 23d, 18 14. 

Dear Sir: — Yesterday I had the pleasure # of receiving 

your favour of the — day of as to post routes. I 

expect to succeed in getting one from Cahokia to Madison 
C. H., to return by Clinton Hill; and from Kaskaskia to 
Johnson C. H. But I fear that I shall not be able to have 
it extended from thence to Salem, Ky., as contemplated in 
my resolutions. I will attend to the subject of a post- 
office at Coxe's. Some time since I rec'd a letter from you 
which led me to suppose that Col. Stephenson felt a cool- 
ness toward me. In my answer to that letter I endeav- 
oured, and I hope I succeeded in convincing you and him 
that that coolness ought not to have existed; as to the 
appointment of field officers to the rangers. I think when 
I return there to be able to convince you all that my course 
has been a correct one. As to people bringing about any 
rupture between you, Mr. Pope, and myself, I think it can 
not be done. I know it can not on my part, unless there 
are greater causes than I have any idea of at present. And 
when I discover any, rest assured that you shall know it. 

I am pleased with the candour of your letters, and hope 
you will continue to write me while at this place. We 
have some expectation of rising about the first of April. 
I am now trying to get a law r passed to compel our judges 
to perform such duties as our Legislature have required of 
them. Your friend, S. BOND. 

P. S. — I have informed the paymaster gen'l how Capt, 
Whitlock has acted in our Territory toward the rangers 
and militia. I hope it may have a good effect. S. B. 

His Excellency N in ian Edwards, 
Governor of the Illinois Territory, Sydney Grove. 






LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. I I I 

Washington City, March 13th, 18 14.* 

Dear Sir: — You will see by the inclosed letter what 
Mr. Simmons' objections are to paying Mr. Moore's ac- 
count, which you will please to inform him of. On Friday 
last the bill confirming certain claims to land in the Illi- 
nois Territory, and providing for their location, passed the 
House of Representatives with several amendments. The 
first is to secure to the original claimant the right of prov- 
ing his claim against the confirmee in any court of the 
Territory. 

Sec. 5 gives the settlers to the first day of October to 
make their entries; the balance of the claimants are al- 
lowed from the first of October to the first of May, 18 15, 
to make their entries, and ever after to be barred. The 
register is allowed 75 cents for each certificate. This, I 
think, will pass the Senate. 

The Secretary of War seems determined not to give us 
any protection on our frontiers, notwithstanding the laws 
that has been passed to continue the rangers in service. 

Your friend, S. Bond. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Elvirade. 

Washington City, April 2d, 18 14. 
DEAR Sir: — This day I received yours 6th and 14th ult., 

* These letters from Mr. Bond to Governor Edwards, written from Wash- 
ington while he was a delegate to Congress, present him in a most favorable 
light, and show that he was a faithful, intelligent, and vigilant representative 
of the people. 



112 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

and have laid the subject before the Secretary of War.* 
He in the presence of J. Jennings of Indiana, and myself, 
directed the Adjutant-General to write Col. Russell imme- 
diately to call the rangers into service that has been dis- 
charged. The law passed about the 2 2d of February to 
continue the rangers in service for one year from the pas- 
sage of the act. Long before that and ever since has 
Jennings, Hempstead, and myself been urging the Secretary 
to authorize us to state to the officers of the rangers that 
they were to continue in service; but he never would do 
anything until he found the Indians had commenced hos- 
tilities, and if our frontier settlers are all- murdered he is 
chargable with it, for I told him all winter what would 
take place in the spring, and it has turned out precisely as 
I predicted. I fear the men cannot be got now in time to 
save the frontier. I stated to the Secretary to-day, as well 
as before, that it was necessary that you should have the 
command of the forces of your own Territory, but he will 
not consent to it. In haste. Your friend, 

S. Bond. 
P. S. — This week the President has recommended the 
repeal of the embargo law, which I think will carry. 

S. B. 

His Excellency NlNlAN EDWARDS, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Elvirade. 



* The secretary of war at this time, of whom Mr. Bond complains and who 
it appears was so indifferent to the perils surrounding the settlements on our 
frontiers, was John Armstrong of New York. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND. 113 

Washington City, April 8th, 1814. 

DEAR Sir: — This day I had the pleasure of receiving 
yours of 18th ult. Some time since I wrote you what 
officers of the staff, which served on your expedition to 
Peoria in 18 12, was refused pay by the Secretary of War, and 
that Capt. Whitlock had been directed to pay the balance. 
In another letter I informed you that Capt. Whitlock was 
ordered to^ pay the militia of our Territory for 1813, and 
all the officers returned on the rolls for that year except 
one of the majors and one of the adjutants which Mr. 
Armstrong says ought not to have been called into service 
with the number of men that was out. Mr. Brent informs 
me that he is led to believe from a letter of Mr. Whitlock's 
that he never received your muster rolls for 18 13, or he 
would have paid the militia long since. I stated to Mr. 
Brent that I had no doubt but you had forwarded muster 
rolls to Capt. Whitlock at the same time you did to him, 
but least something might be wrong, I prevailed on him to 
send rolls from his office to Capt, Whitlock at the same 
time that the instructions were sent. He has also directed 
Wm. A. Beaird to be paid as a private in Capt. Whiteside's 
company. All plans that you recommended which I saw 
fit to lay before the Secretary of War has been treated. in 
such a manner that in future I shall lay them before the 
President. I don't wish this to be made public. I will 
procure you a copy of Capt. Whitlock's letter as requested. 
I hope to be able to leave here in a few days. Congress 
will rise about the 18th I expect. In haste. 

Your friend, S. Bond. 

P. S. — Since writing the above I thought it best to call 



114 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

on the Secretary of War and know what he would have 
done with the Kaskaskia Indians. He gave for answer 
that he did not know what to do with them, but as Gen. 
Howard was ordered back to that Territory he would give 
him some instruction about them in a few days. 
His Excellency NlNlAN EDWARDS, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Elvirade. 

Washington City, April 14th, 18 14. 
Dear Sir: — Yesterday Mr. James B. Lane paid me 
$1000.03 f° r y° u - I have paid Mr. Gales $15 subscrip- 
tion for the Intelligencer and have deposited $985 in the 
Bank of Columbia for you, the certificate of which I carry 
on to you. I had hoped for some time passed to have 
been on my way home before now, but find I cannot start 
before Monday next, the day fixed for Congress to rise. 
Our road bill is again laid over to the next session of Con- 
gress. Your friend, S. BOND. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Elvirade. 

LETTER OE SHADRACH BOND TO HIS 
CONSTITUENTS* 

SIR: — The great political events which have lately oc- 

* This printed letter of Shadrach Bond to his constituents was found among 
the "Edwards Papers". It is published as an account of his stewardship, 
rendered to his constituents, and sent out with the purpose at the time of 
securing a re-election. Mr. Bond, however, resigned his position as dele- 
gate in October, 1814, and before the end of his term, to become the receiver 
of public moneys at Kaskaskia. 



SHADRACH BOND TO HIS CONSTITUENTS. I 1 5 

cupied, and still engage, the attention of Congress, you 
will find much more minutely detailed in the newspapers 
of our country, than I can undertake to communicate. 
The acts of Congress which relate exclusively to our terri- 
tory, and such laws as directly affect its interest or pros- 
perity, will alone be mentioned in this letter; because it 
would require volumes to contain all that has been done of 
a general nature, by the last and present Congress: but 
whatever has presented itself before the national legisla- 
ture, in which the interest of the people was in any degree 
concerned, whom I have the honor to represent, it never 
failed to awaken all my anxiety, and to claim all my at- 
tention. In some instances, it is true, my fondest hopes 
have been disappointed; but I trust I have not been alto- 
gether unfortunate in securing to many of the good people 
of the Territory important rights and permanent advan- 
tages. 

It may not be improper to state, that Congress during 
the last summer had been convened for the express pur- 
pose of devising a system of permanent revenue, to enable 
our country to support the war, with effect and energy, 
against the Tyrant of the Ocean; no business relating tO' 
the Territory, during the Summer Session, would Congress 
consent to engage in, except the law which was passed to 
continue in the service of the United States the first seven 
companies of Rangers which were authorized to be raised 
for the protection of our frontiers. These companies I 
find were unfortunately for the Territory, discharged from 
the service by General Howard, who was authorized to do* 
so, by the Secretary of War. 



I 10 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

At the present session, an act has been passed to con- 
tinue in the service, for one year, from the passage of the 
act, the ten additional companies of Rangers which were 
authorized to be raised by an act of the 25th of February, 
1 8 1 3. For some time I feared that these companies would 
meet the same fate of the former; but, on the second in- 
stant, the Secretary of War directed that Col. Russell 
should immediately call the Rangers into service, which 
had been discharged. 

An act has passed authorizing the Surveyor General to 
have not exceeding two sections of land laid out, into 
town lots, out-lots, &c, in the rear and adjoining Shawa- 
neetown, so as to extend the town into the high lands; 
and as soon as the survey is made, the Commissioner of 
the General Land Office has informed me that the sales of 
the public lands, in the Shawanee district, will commence. 

An act has also passed, confirming certain claims to land 
in the Illinois Territory, and providing for their location; 
this act enlarges the former district, and secures to each 
settler, who inhabited and cultivated a tract of land, within 
the district, before the 5th of February, 18 13, the right 
of pre-emption in the purchase of not less than one- 
quarter, nor more than one whole section, including his 
improvement; and if the settlers have any unlocated con- 
firmed claims, they are allowed to give them in as pay, for 
as many acres of the land which they shall enter under 
the pre-emption law, as their certificates call for; the 
settlers within the district aforesaid are allowed until the 
first day of October next to make their entries, and the 
balance of the claimants from the first day of October 
next to the first of May, 1815, to make their entries. 



SHADRACH BOND TO HIS CONSTITUENTS. \\j 

Another act has passed the House of Representatives, 
and I have no doubt will pass the Senate, establishing a 
post route from Cohokia to Madison C. H. and to return 
by Clinton Hill to Cohokia, and from Kaskaskia to John- 
son C. House. 

The various laws to which I have referred, are all that, 
at this moment, present themselves to my recollection. 
It is true that some business of importance has been laid 
over until the next session of Congress; but it is not to be 
expected that a delegate, who cannot vote on any question 
himself, would be able to command the same interest, at- 
tention, and influence in Congress, that he would command 
if he possessed the same extensive privileges in common 
with its members. I shall rejoice, however, if my best in- 
tentions and feeble exertions shall meet with your'appro- 
bation and that of my fellow-citizens, conscious of having 
discharged my duty with attention and faithfulness, I shall 
still hope to merit the approbation of my countrymen. 

I shall leave here in a few days for the Territory, where 
I hope to have the pleasure of communicating to you per- 
sonally a more satisfactory account of the proceedings of 
Congress at the two last sessions. 

With sentiments of respect, 

I am your obedient humble servant, 

Shadrach Bond. 

Washington City, April 15, 18 14. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory. 



CHAPTER VII. 

Letter of James Monroe, secretary of war; letter of J. Meigs, com- 
missioner of the general land-office; letter of Benjamin Stephen- 
son, an early pioneer, second delegate to Congress from Territory 
of Illinois, receiver of public moneys at Edwardsville, father of 
Colonel James W. Stephenson of Galena; Governor Edwards 
and Colonel Stephenson intimate and life -long friends; letter 
of Daniel P. Cook to Governor Edwards; brief sketch of Mr. 
Cook and Nathaniel Pope ; Cook a man of great ability, four 
times elected to Congress from the State of Illinois, acting- 
chairman of the committee of ways and means during his last 
term of service, beaten for Congress in 1826 by Joseph Duncan ; 
broken down in health, dies in Kentucky, October 16th, 1827; a 
brilliant and distinguished career cut short at the age of thirty- 
two years; "the paths of glory lead but to the grave"; though 
a Kentuckian, a strong anti- slavery man and opposed to the 
convention resolution; first attorney -general of the State of 
Illinois, judge of the Circuit Court in the western circuit; Cook 
County named after him ; married the daughter of Governor 
Edwards; left one son, General John Cook of Springfield, Illi- 
nois; letter of Shadrach Bond; applies to be appointed secre- 
tary of the Territory in the event of the election of Nathaniel 
Pope as a delegate to Congress; letter of John Pope of Ken- 
tucky, respecting his defeat for Congress; letter of Daniel P. 
Cook; desires to purchase land near where the seat of govern- 
ment is to be; letter of William H. Crawford, in regard to the 
United States Salines; letter of Joseph Charless, criticising 
letter of Major Christy; letter of Governor Clark of Missouri 
Territory. 



LETTER OF J. MEIGS. 1 19 

LETTER OF JAMES MONROE.* 
Department of War, November 23, 18 14. 
SIR: — I have had the honor to peruse your letter of the 
1 8th October last to the Hon. Mr. Stephenson on the sub- 
ject of supplies for the Kaskaskia Indians. I have to re- 
quest your Excellency will supply these Indians with 
money and clothing to the amount of their annuity, if in 
your power to procure them in the Illinois Territory, for 
the payment of which your bills on this Department will 
be duly honored. 

I have the honor to be respectfully, sir, 

Your ob. serv., 

Jas. Monroe. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF J. MEIGS.f 

Treasury Department, 
General Land Office, 

1 2th December, 18 14. 
Sir: — Your favor of 7th November has been received; 
if the Salt lick which you state to have been discovered by 
Conrad Will and his associates lies in the district of Shaw- 
neetown or of Kaskaskia, you will be pleased to refer him 
to the register of the land office for the district in which the 
lick lies, to obtain a lease; if it is not in either district you 
will be pleased to execute a lease (not exceeding three 

* Mr. Monroe succeeded John Armstrong as secretary of war, September 
26, 1814. 

t Mr. Meigs was the commissioner of the General Land Office, and suc- 
ceeded Edward Tiffin. 



120 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

years) on such terms as you think just, subject to the ap- 
probation of the President of the United States. In my 
opinion the rent ought not to be less than the interest of 
the purchase money of the tract leased, with a clause to> 
prevent waste of timber on the adjacent tracts. 
I am very respectfully, sir, 

Your obed't serv't, 

J. Meigs. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor Illinois Territory, 

Kaskaskia. 



LETTER OF BENJAMIN STEPHENSON.* 
Summerset, 22d April, 1815. 
Dear Sir: — I arrived here this evening with my family. 
The road is extremely bad. In four days more I expect 
to reach Pittsburg, when I intend to take water to Fer- 
guson's ferry. 

I flatter myself with seeing you in Kaskaskia about the 

* This letter was written by Mr. Stephenson, from Somerset, Pa., on his 
return from Washington to Illinois Territory. Mr. Stephenson was one of 
the best known of our early pioneers, having emigrated from Kentucky 
to Randolph County in 1809. He was colonel of militia in the war of 1812. 
When Shadrach Bond resigned his position as delegate in 1814, Mr. Stephen- 
son was elected to fill the vacancy. He was re-elected to the next Congress. 
He appears never to have been in the Legislative service of the State. After 
his Congressional service, he was appointed as receiver of public moneys 
at Edwardsville, of which town he was always a prominent citizen up to the 
time of his death. He was the father of Col. James W. Stephenson, who 
was the receiver of public moneys at Galena in 1836, and who was, in 1838, 
nominated as the democratic candidate for governor. After the nomination he 
was compelled to withdraw from the ticket, and soon after died of consump- 
tion. Governor Edwards and Colonel Stephenson were intimate and life-long 
friends. Judge B. S. Edwards of Springfield was named for Colonel Benja- 
min Steohenson. 



LETTER OF B. STEPHENSON. 121 

15th or 20th of May next. If it wo' n't be troubling you 
too much I would be very glad if you would rent me a 
house in Kaskaskia; I shall also want a hatter's shop. I 
have a young man along, who I wish to go to business 
immediately; I have every thing with me necessary to set 
him up, except fur. I am anxious to be in your country 
previous to the treaty with the Indians. Get any house 
that you think will answer; we won't be particular for the 
present. Yours sincerely, 

B. Stephenson. 

N.B. — I am convinced my friends have not received half 
the letters I wrote, I know the number I did write. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD * 
War Department, May 8th, 1816. 
SIR: — By a regulation of the 7th instant, the command- 
ing officers of posts to which the Indians are in the habit 
of resorting, are required to certify all abstracts for rations 
issued to them. The conduct of some of the agents at the 
outposts, has rendered this regulation necessary. In mak- 
ing it general, no censure is intended to be cast upon the 
transactions of this nature under your superintendence. 
On the contrary, the department has the fullest confidence 
in the rectitude with which your superintendence has been 
exercised. 

* Mr. Crawford was secretary of war in the second term of Mr. Madison, 
and secretary of the treasury during both the terms of Mr. Monroe. More 
will be said of him hereafter. 



I 22 



THE EDWARDS PArERS. 



The particular misconduct which has suggested the regu- 
lation, occurred in the course of the last year in the Creek 
nation, and appears to have been of the most flagrant 
character. 

The subordinate agents ought to be deeply impressed 
with the necessity of acting with perfect fairness, in this 
respect, as the difficulty of establishing fraud, when prac- 
tised, will make it necessary to remove them upon the 
slightest evidence. 

I have the honor to be 

Your most obed't and 
very humble servant, 

Wm. H. Crawford. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Kaskaskia. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK.* 

Kaskaskia, June 8th, 1816. 
Dear Gov. : — I received your letter of the 3rd inst. at 
too late a period to publish the information you was so 



* We meet here, for the first time, a letter of Daniel Pope Cook to Gov- 
ernor Edwards. Mr. Cook, a native of Kentucky, immigrated to the Terri- 
tory of Illinois in 1815. He was, at the time of the date of this letter, the 
editor and a joint owner with Robert Blackwell of the Illinois Intelligencer, 
which was at that time the only newspaper and printing-office in the Territory. 
This press was the first one brought to this Territory, from Kentucky, in the 
fall of 1809, and published by Matthew Duncan. 

Nathaniel Pope was a candidate for Congress from Illinois Territory in 
1 81 6, and was elected, and took his seat December 2d of that year. He was 
re-elected to the succeeding Congress, and procured the legislation which 
admitted the Territory of Illinois into the Union. His life and public service, 
both in the Territory of Illinois, as a delegate to Congress, and as the first 



LETTER OF DAN L P. COOK. 1 23 

kind as to give me in the paper of Wednesday last, but it 
will appear in our next. I should be very glad to publish 
your letter to the Secretary of War, at this time, but Mr. 

judge of the United States District Court of the State of Illinois for thirty- 
two years, in which position he greatly distinguished himself, are well known. 
He was the brother of John Pope, governor of Arkansas Territory, member 
of Congress, and U. S. senator from the State of Kentucky, and father of 
Major-General John Pope, of the United States Army. 

The Oglesby spoken of was Joseph Oglesby, a doctor and preacher, an 
early settler of Illinois Territory, and a member of the General Assembly 
of the Territory from !;t. Clair County in 1812-13. Menard and Fisher, 
spoken of as having " absolutely come out as candidates " for delegate, were 
both members of the Territorial Legislature in 1816; Menard as president of 
the Council, and Fisher as speaker of the Assembly. Pope distanced all the 
candidates and was triumphantly elected. Such was the standing of Governor 
Edwards, who was the friend and, I believe, the relative of Nathaniel Pope, 
that Cook was undoubtedly right when he said that the " supposition " that 
Edwards "was unpopular" was a "dam'd foolish one". 

Cook was undoubtedly one of the ablest and most remarkable men 
whose name ever graced the annals of Illinois. At the first election for 
congressman, after the State was admitted, he was beaten by John McLean 
of Shawneetown, by a majority of fourteen votes. The candidates were 
young men, both from Kentucky, and in the canvass at that and a subsequent 
election they proved themselves men of rare ability and surpassing eloquence. 
This was the commencement of stump speaking in Illinois. In the next 
election the same candidates were before the people, but McLean was beaten 
by Cook. He was three times re-elected, making a service of eight years. 
He was but just of the constitutional age when he made his first canvass. In 
his last term of service he was the acting-chairman of the committee of Ways 
and Means — Louis McLane of Delaware, the chairman, being absent — and 
he discharged the duties of that most onerous and responsible position with 
so much ability and evinced such a thorough knowledge of all matters which 
come before the committee and the House, as to challenge the respect and 
admiration of all the members. And this was at a time when his health 
was failing and his physical powers were becoming exhausted. It seemed that 
as his bodily weakness increased, his great mental qualities shown brighter and 
brighter. 

In 1826, Mr. Cook was beaten for Congress by Joseph Duncan. Of a natu- 
rally feeble constitution and with delicate health, his great labors began to 
tell upon him, and he ended his congressional service on the 4th day of 
March, 1827, a confirmed invalid. He soon after went to Cuba, in the vain 
hope of restoring his health. In the month of June thereafter he returned 



124 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Pope thinks it had better not be published until after the 
election. He considers the public mind in as good a state 
for the election at this time as it is possible ever to get it, 

with his family to his home in Edwardsville. But nothing could stay the 
progress of the dreadful disease (consumption) which was consuming his life. 
He was on that road over which we must all once pass: 
" calcanda, semel, via lethi. " 

His mind reverted to the place of his birth and to the joys of his childhood. 
He went back to his own Kentucky to die, and there he breathed his last, 
October 16, 1827. Though cut down at the early age of thirty-two, he had 
accomplished more than most men during the course of a long life. In him, 
statesmanship seemed native and intuitive. In the House of Representatives 
he showed a complete mastery of all questions that were to be discussed, and 
he stated his conclusions with such clearness, force, and precision as always to 
command the strictest attention of members. There was before him when he 
died the promise of a most brilliant and distinguished career, which would 
have added additional lustre to his name and brought additional honor to the 
State of his adoption. But in his case, the words of the poet Gray, though 
used in a different connection, were to be realized : 

"The paths of glory lead but to the grave." 

In the great slavery struggle in this State in 1823-4, Mr. Cook, though com- 
ing from a slave- State, was one of the most pronounced opponents of the 
"Convention Resolution." It is somewhat curious that while he was a Ken- 
tuckian and a strong anti-slavery man, his cotemporary, living in the same 
town (Kaskaskia), Elias Kent Kane, a New Yorker, and so prominent in our 
earlier politics, was a pro-slavery man, who advocated making Illinois a slave 
state. It is a remarkable as well as a most creditable fact, that of the eighteen 
members in the "Convention Legislature" who resisted the Convention Reso- 
lution, ten of them were from the slave States. * 

It should have been stated that Mr. Cook was the first attorney-general of 
the State of Illinois, and for a short time a judge of the Circuit Court in what 
was then called the "Western Circuit." Four years after his death the legis- 
lature of the State honored his memory by giving his name to Cook County. 
In respect of his high character, his great ability, his honorable name, and of 
the inestimable service he rendered to our great commonwealth, the County of 
Cook should erect a monument to his memory. 

Mr. Cook married the daughter of Governor Edwards. He left one son, 
John Cook, late of Springfield, 111., and who was a brigadier-general in the 
War of the Rebellion, appointed by Mr. Lincoln. 

* "Sketch of Edward Coles/' by E. B. Washburne. 






LETTER OF DAN L P. COOK. 125 

and if your letter, though truly interesting, should be pub- 
lished, with such remarks as I wish to make when it is 
published, it might excite some party feeling that is at 
present entirely neutralized. The publication of this let- 
ter shall be made so soon as the election is over, or im- 
mediately, if you and Mr. Pope after seeing each other on 
that subject, accord in the opinion that it will be proper so 
to do. I feel certainly an interest in the publication of 
that letter, as it will doubtless form the basis of the regula- 
tion of the Indian trade in this country; and besides, I 
wish you to be here when it is published, as I shall wish to 
make some comments on the importance of the subject, 
and altho' I shall do it as my own entirely, I shall wish 
very much to have your assistance in that business. In- 
deed it appears to be a subject of such acknowledged im- 
portance that a man who is able to develop its niceties 
may well expect to acquire some fame for so doing; and I 
therefore wish your assistance in making my remarks, least 
I should discover a want of a tolerable knowledge of the 
subject, which would rather make me appear ridiculous 
than otherwise. 

I think there will be almost unanimity in favor of Mr. 
Pope's election ; there will be no opposition even of a re- 
spectable description. I am, however, told that your 
friend Oglesby says he wants to be elected so that he may 
get a new Gov., and by this expects to derive support from 
all your enemies. This is an idea that is bottomed upon 
the supposition that you are very unpopular, which in can- 
dor, I think, a dam'd foolish one. 

Menard and Fisher have absolutely come out as candi- 



126 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

dates, which is supposed to settle the business in this 
county. But there is much division in the other counties, 
I am told. 

I am Sir, your Excellency's 

most ob't, humble sev't, 

Dan'l P. Cook. 
Hon Ninan Edwards, 

St. Louis. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND* 

KASKASKIA, June 1 8th, 1816. 
Dear Sir: — There is no doubt but Mr. Pope will be 
elected to Congress. He informs me that as soon as the 
election is over he will resign his office of secretary. It is 
my intention to apply for the same, and he assures me 
that I shall have his support if it meets your approbation. 
I now ask, and flatter myself, that you will support my 
views. I believe your family are well. 
I am very respectfully, 

Sir, your ob't serv't, 

S. Bond. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

St. Louis. 



* Mr. Bond was not appointed secretary of the Territory on the resignation 
of Nathaniel Pope. Joseph Phillips obtained the appointment, and October 
9th, 1818, was appointed chief-justice of the Supreme Court of the State. 
He ran for governor in 1822, and was beaten by Edward Coles, by a plurality 
of fifty votes. This was the turning point in the destiny of Illinois. Phillips 
soon afterward left the State. 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. \2J 

LETTER OF JOHN POPE* 
Dear Sir: — I have lost my election here by misman- 
agement and some reports; one about the alien and sedi- 
tion laws, urged against me by Wollen's friends. I intend 
to make a short statement on this subject for the satisfac- 
tion of my friends who are strong and influential and not 
at all discouraged by the result. If you recollect an argu- 
ment or conversation we had at Lewis Irwin's on the 
constitutionality of the sedition law in 1798 or 1799, that 
I was opposed to those laws; that I was a candidate in 
1800 for elector many months before the election in No- 
vember; that my vote on the alien and sedition resolution 
was objected to me long before the election; that it was a 
subject of conversation and discussion long before the 
election; that I circulated a printed address* in defence 
and explanation of my vote before the election ; that I 
reviewed my opposition to those laws and in favour of a 
change of administration; that I objected to the nullifica- 
tion clause of the resolution, in the words following: That 
a nullification of all unauthorized acts of the general gov- 
ernment by the States is the rightful remedy. Did you 
not understand my objection as going to the remedy — not 
that I was in favour of the laws? On all the above points 
I wish you to be as full as your recollection will enable you. 
My argument at Lewis Irwin's you can state to be with a 
gentleman. I only want the fact 0/ the notoriety of my 
opinion on that subject. Two points are important to me 

* Mr. Pope served out a six-year term in the Senate of the United States 
from Kentucky, ending in 1 813. It was in 1829 that he was appointed gov- 
ernor of Arkansas Territory. 



128 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

to prove : my opinion about those laws ; and that the vote 

was objected to me long before the election and much 

talked of and discussed. I will dispense with your letter 

or certificate if I can. Your immediate answer will oblige 

me much. Your friend and relative, 

John Pope. 
Lexington, August 18th, 1816. 

His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK* 

Scott County, Feby. 6, 18 17. 

Dear Gov'r: — I am just starting to the City of Wash- 
ington, partly on my own account and partly on account 
of my father, who has business in Virginia. 

I expect to return in April. 

My father has authorized me to purchase one section of 
land in the neighborhood of the place where the seat of 
government will probably be fixed, and will advance me 
the money when the place is fixed upon or where you may 
think it will be. If you purchase any land in the neigh- 
borhood, where you think it will be established, I wish you 
would enter a section, provided you think it is valuable or 
good, for me, and if you can spare the amount of the first 
installment until I return, so soon thereafter as the money 
can be brought on, I will refund it. If land in that place 

* Mr. Monroe had been elected president in 1816. As John Pope had pre- 
dicted, Mr. Adams was made secretary of state; but Mr. Clay was not made 
secretary of war, but John C. Calhoun of South Carolina was. 



LETTER OF DAN L P. COOK. 1 29 

and of a good quality can be entered, I feel solicitous 
about it, because the land will be for myself and I wish to 
hold my dish while the porridge is falling — as it is not 
always that it does fall 

A new election will be held in Missouri so says Congress. 

John Quincy Adams, Mr. Pope writes, is certainly to be 
sec'y of state — Mr. Clay sec'y of war. 

You would be surprised to see how popular John Pope is 
at this time with the legislature and the people — I do ex- 
pect he will in one year be the most formidable man in the 
State. I think from my observations that he will com- 
pletely rule Slaughter. 

I am yours sincerely, 

Danl. P. Cook. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD.* 
Treasury Department, 19th March, 18 17. 
SIR : — The lessees of the saline on the waters of the 
Ohio who preceded Mr. Bate in the order of time, alledge 
that they have not received that compensation for the im- 
provements which they made upon the premises during the 
existence of their leases, to which they were entitled under 
it, and that they have received nothing for the improve- 
ments which were upon the premises antecedent to their 
occupancy of them, which were either made by them, or 
their value advanced to those by whom they were made. 

* This letter of Mr. Crawford, who was then Mr. Monroe's secretary of 
f vmt, is all in his own handwriting, and shows what close personal attention he 
gave to business, and how thoroughly he understood all the details of his 
department. 



130 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

They alledge that your instructions excluded from the val- 
uation which was set on foot, at the expiration of their 
lease, many improvements which are fairly comprehended 
by the letter and spirit of the lease, in consequence of 
which one of the appraisers, as the agent or friend of the 
former lessees, declined the execution of the duty assigned 
him and compromised the matter with Mr. Bate by agree- 
ing to accept of a gross sum without regard to the value 
of the improvements. It may be proper to observe that 
the lease makes no provision for the repayment of any sum 
which may be advanced by a lessee upon taking possession 
of the premises, for the improvements which have been 
made by those who have preceded him. This omission 
must have been the result of design or accident. It may 
have been the intention of the government to retain as 
permanent improvements, at the expiration of each suc- 
cessive lease, everything which had been put upon the 
premises during the existence of the antecedent and prior 
leases; considering the use of the property by the subse- 
quent lessee during the continuance of his lease as a fair 
equivalent for the sum paid upon taking possession of the 
premises. Or it may have* been the result of a conviction 
that such improvements would cease to be useful at the ex- 
piration of the second lease after they were made, or from 
the difficulty of distinguishing between the improvements 
made on successive leases, or from the constant changes iri 
the value of those improvements. 

I understand that in addition to the ordinary causes of 
change in the value of those improvements, the lessees are 
in the habit of breaking up one line of pipes and making 



LETTER OE WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD. 1 3 I 

another, using however the original pipes for the new line. 
In cases of this kind, it is manifest, that if the new line is 
considered an improvement for which the actual lessee is 
entitled to compensation, the government will be subject 
to great injustice if the lessee is also entitled to receive 
back the amount paid by him for the line of pipes so 
changed during his lease. Notwithstanding the views here 
presented, it may have been the understanding of the par- 
ties that they were to receive upon the expiration of their 
leases, the value of the improvements which they found 
upon the premises and which were left by them in the same 
state of preservation and usefulness as they were received. 
It is true that the contracts in question have not been 
long enough in existence to establish anything like a 
special custom which in a court of law or even of equity 
would be permitted to control the rules of construction in 
relation to such contracts; but in a case of this kind the 
government is willing that the legal construction of those 
leases should yield to the fair and explicit understanding 
of the lessees, and the officer of the government charged 
with the execution of that duty, at the time the leases 
were made. Under this view of the subject, the lessees 
who preceded Mr. Bate are referred to you for a decision 
upon their claim for additional allowance. How far the 
person who acted as their agent and entered into an agree- 
ment with Mr. Bate by which a gross sum was paid for the 
improvements, ought to bind them, and how far their sub- 
sequent conduct has made his act their own, notwithstand- 
ing there may have been a defect of authority originally, 
is also referred to your decision. The evidence upon that 



132 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

point in the possession of this department is very slight 
indeed. It is presumed that all the circumstances are 
known to you, and that if they are not they can be easily 
obtained from Mr. Bate. It has however been inti- 
mated that some difficulty occurred in obtaining from Mr. 
Bate the amount agreed by him to be paid. If this inti- 
mation is well founded the clearest evidence of their sub- 
sequent sanction of the arrangement can be obtained. If 
this compromise has placed the United States in a worse 
situation than if it had not been made, the inconvenience 
ought to fall upon the lessees. 

The whole subject however, is referred to your excel- 
lency with a request that you will do what is right and 
proper, and that if you feel any difficulty in deciding upon 
all or either of the points involved in it you will favor me 
with your views upon it. 

I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient 

and very humble serv't, 

Wm. H. Crawford. 

His Excellency NiNlAN Edwards, 

Governor &c, &c, of Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH CHARLESS* 

St. Louis, April 16th, 1817. - 
Governor Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — Your communication, and matter from the 
Kankaskia paper, will all be published this week (if pos- 

* There is at the end of this letter a somewhat amusing criticism of the 
letter of William Christy. 






LETTER OF JOSEPH CHARLESS. 1 33 

sible) agreeable to your wishes. The "Western Sun", 
with a letter directed to me, as coming from a subscriber, 
dated Madison county, Illin. Ter., came into the office 
during my late attack of rheumatism, my children did not 
take his name, but is known to them, as he frequently calls 
for the Goshen packet of papers. I have directed them to 
call me (if absent from the office) when he again presents 
himself. 

We have very little news here at this time, except that 
the arrival of a new printer, brought on by Christy, Carr 
& Farrar, can be noticed. Maj. Christy told Doctor 
Simpson they wanted a good printer, &c, &c. Now to give 
you a specimen of the literary acquirements of this learned 
critic, I will beg leave to refer you to the subjoined letter 
of the Major — in his best style. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. CHARLESS. 

Verb at en 1 ad literatem. 

(Amusement) Sunday — :17th April, '14. 

Sir 

Yur sons and apprentice Boys are almost dayley in 
the habit of runing through my field treading my young 
wheet and Clover, & Shooting fowls in my Pond I have 
more then once forbid them doing so but in vain — If you 
do not think propir to put a stop to these depradations I 
shall be under the nicessity of taking such steps as will 

Yr &C 

W Christy 
Mr J. Charless 



134 


the edwards 
Errata 


TAPERS. 


For yur 


read your. F 


or propir read _ proper. 


it day ley 


read daily. i 


. depradation read 


.. runing 


read _ running. 


depredation. 


m then 


read than. i 


ii nicessity read 


n forbid 


read _ forbade. 


necessity. 


ii wheet 


read . . wheat. 





LETTER OF GOVERNOR CLARK OF MISSOURI 
TERRITORY. 

St. Louis, 2 Est. May, 18 17. 
Dear Sir : — Last evening, about sixty of the Wild 
Oats arrived this place, and say they came under the invita- 
tion received from the Commissioners. They have only 
one chief, and I believe their object is to receive some 
presents. 

I have requested them to visit you at Kaskaskia, which 
they in reply objected to. Please to inform me what you 
wish me to do with these people. I have supplied them 
with provisions which I can only procure by purchase at 
a high price, the Contractor having no agent at this place 
to furnish rations to Indians. 

Accept of my best wishes, 

Yours sincerely, 

Wm, Clark. 
Gov. EDWARDS, Kaskaskia. 

NOTE. — The Cherokees have declared war against the 

Osages and sent out two parties. 



C H APTER VIII. 

Letters of Daniel P. Cook; Col. Lane; Cook predicts that Mr. Clay 
would be secretary of war: seeks the appointment of secretary 
of Alabama Territory; in relation to expenditures of Mr. Boilvin 
as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien; declines appointment of 
clerk in the state department; speculations as to Mr. Pinckney, 
Mr. Rush, Mr. Clay, Mr. Monroe, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Gallatin; 
letter of Auguste Chouteau, early settler and Indian trader of 
St. Louis; his great influence over the Indian tribes of the 
Northwest, negotiates many Indian treaties, a man distinguished 
for probity and integrity, brother of Pierre Chouteau, Jr., of St. 
Louis, his wife the daughter of Lieutenant-Governor Menard of 
Kaskaskia; another letter of Auguste Chouteau; letter of Daniel 
P. Cook; his canvass for Congress in 1818 against John McLean; 
warm opposition from slave -men, but still warmer support from 
freemen ; letter of Thomas H. Benton ; recommends that 
General Bissell be appointed to command in St. Louis; letter 
of Governor Bond to Edwards, Thomas, and McLean; another 
letter of Governor Bond in regard to additional pay for receivers 
of land offices; letter of Daniel P. Cook; recommends the 
appointment of Greenberry Ridgeley as secretary of Arkansas 
Territory; predicts "reappointment" of Governor Edwards to 
United States Senate nem. con.; later letter of Mr. Cook on 
the same subject; lawless projects to defeat the election of 
Governor Edwards; criticism of Governor Bond and Elias 
Kent Kane. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK. 

Washington, nth Sept., 1817. 
Dear GOVERNOR: — Since my return I have not done 
myself the honor of troubling you with a line. As I had 



136 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

nothing to write worthy of your attention, and having 
had the pleasure of hearing that you were well by Mr- 
Bennett as well as your family, I have therefore deferred 
writing until now. 

From an intimacy that has arisen between Col. Lane 
and myself, I have ascertained that you and he are not on 
such terms as I think is desirable to him, and which I have 
no doubt would be desirable to yourself. An anxiety on 
the part of Col. Lane to make a request of you is counter- 
acted by that circumstance, and he has therefore consented 
that I should make it for him. He is in a handsome situ- 
ation here and is much respected, and from the oppor- 
tunity which he would have of attending to your daughters, 
in waiting on them in the best company, and of rendering 
their situations pleasant while completing their education. 
He is extremely desirous that you will send them on, to 
this place, under his charge. He assures me that nothing 
would give him more pleasure than to have this wish 
gratified, and in gratifying it, I doubt not but you would 
be equally gratified in the advantages which your daugh- 
ters would derive from his attentions and the other advan- 
tages desirable in this place. Col. Lane, I am authorized 
to say, would be glad to hear from you on this subject, and 
for a friendly intercourse to ensue. In a few days I shall 
be advised of the course which I will persue in regard to 
my own concerns; whether I shall go elsewhere or remain 
here, I am not yet certain; when it is certain, I will do 
myself the honor of letting you know. Mr. Clay did me 
the honor of calling to see me yesterday, who I think is 
certainly now to be Secretary of War. He speaks highly 



LETTERS OF DAN L P. COOK. 1 37 

of Indiana, and I think has an eye on his popularity in 
the Territories, as they will become States before an open- 
ing presents itself for the gratification of his ulterior views 
in politics. 

Present my respects to Mrs. Edwards and family, and 
accept assurances of my highest regard and friendship. 

Dan'l. P. Cook. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 

Washington, Sept. 25, 18 17. 

DEAR Gov. : — I have the pleasure to inform you that 
some of your friends at this place are mentioning you as 
a proper person for Secretary of War. I have written a 
short communication for the National Register, which I 
have sent, recommending you; the editor also recom- 
mended you. I can't pretend to say what prospect there 
is, but it will at least be of use to you at home. You are 
also well spoken of in the Baltimore paper. 

As yet I do not know what I am to engage in. I can 
get a clerkship in the State department with a good salary, 
but I won't go into it; it is too confining. I shall know in a 
few days whether I go as Secretary of Alabama Territory* 
or not. The President, it is feared, has made up his mind; 
if so, I shall fail; there is no situation vacant at present 
for me but that; I have Adams' assurance to befriend me 
at any time. You will see a communication in the Na- 

* It was fortunate for Mr. Cook and our State that he never received the 
appointment of secretary of Alabama Territory at this time. Such an appoint- 
ment would have changed his entire destiny. 



138 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

tional Intelligencer of the 24th inst. on the subject of 
foreign clerks in the departments here, which I wrote, but 
remain yet in cog. Much talk now is made about it in the 
departments, because it is true; it is popular with all but 
the foreigners. 

I have put your name as a subscriber to the National 
Register. Mr. Morrison is here; all there are well; he, for 
the first time in his life, treats me with marked attention. 

My respects to Mrs. E., and my greatest friendship for 
yourself. D. P. COOK. 

I am not yet well. May it not be better for me to 
return to Kaskaskia and wait for prospects in that country 
if I don't go to Alabama? Will you please write on rec't 
of this. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 

Washington, Sept. 26, 1817. 
Dear Governor: — At the request of Mr. Bolvin, I 
have the honor to request you to send a certificate to the 
Secretary of War, sanctioning those expenditures which 
he incurred for the Government in his capacity as Indian 
Agent at Prairie du Chein. A copy of the account of ex- 
penditures, he informs me, is in your possession. By a 
letter from the Hon. W. Eustis, Secretary of War, bearing 
date April 25, 181 1, I see he was vested with discretion- 
ary power to expend on account of the Government as 
much as should be thought necessary, and for which he 
was to be allowed; and by a letter from you to him, bear- 
ing date 28th July, 18 15, the same extensive discretionary 










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LETTERS OF DANE P. COOK. 1 39 

power is given. The Secretary of War (Mr. Graham) 
refuses to settle his accounts until they are sanctioned by 
you, which sanction is only required as a prerequisite to 
their final settlement and allowance. Mr. Bolvin desires 
me to say that the Secretary of War has informed him 
that it is unnecessary for him to remain here any longer* 
and he wishes you to forward your letter to the Secretary 
and press a final settlement of them. He thinks he will 
not remain to have them closed, as it would prevent him 
from ascending the river this winter. 

Mr. Bolvin desires his compliments to be presented you' 
and hopes to see you on his return to his post. 
I have the honor to be, 

Your ob't humble serv't, 

Dan'l. P. Cook.* 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 

Washington, Oct. 2, 18 17. 
Dear Gov.: — Since I wrote to you Mr. Adams*)" has re- 
ceived an answer from the President stating that my appli- 
cation for the Secretary's office in Alabama "came too late 
to have that attention paid to it which it merited, having 
previously promised it to another." 

* This letter of Mr. Cook is lithographed, as showing an admirable busi- 
ness handwriting and his facility of expression. 

f It seems that at this time Mr. Cook was quite desirous of obtaining an 
omcicial appointment under Mr. Monroe's administration. He had failed in 
securing the appointment of secretary of Alabama Territory, and he evinces 
in this letter his wisdom in declining to enter the state department as clerk. 
Mr. Adams seems to have been very friendly with Mr. Cook, as the latter, as 
bearer of dispatches, had taken to him, while he was minister to London, the 
invitation of Mr. Monroe to Mr. Adams to become his secretary of state. 



140 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I could get into the State Department as a clerk, but 
experience tells me it won't do to engage in close, laborious 
writing, and it would not satisfy my ambition to be buried 
in an office — merely as a servant as it were — where the 
world, perhaps, would never hear of such a being. Mr. 
Adams assures me he will at any time take pleasure in 
bringing me before the Government when an opportunity 
offers. There being no situation at present vacant that 
will suit, I am advised by my own judgment, as well as by 
his, to return to the West, and remain there until an op- 
portunity presents itself for my advancement. I shall set 
out in four days for Kaskaskia, and will not stop in Ken- 
tucky at all that I know of. I will be then in time for the 
fall courts and to meet the Legislature. 

Mr. Pinkney is certainly coming home or to London; it 
is yet uncertain which. Mr. Rush will go out very soon, 
to London. It is said Clay is not so much the bantling of 
Mr. Monroe as is supposed; he and Mr. Adams are not in 
the confidence of each other I know. Your name is fre- 
quently mentioned as Secretary of War lately, but how it 
will be I can't tell. It is believed here that Spain has 
actually ceded the Floridas to the United States in con- 
sideration of a deduction to be made from our claim for 
spoliations committed on our commerce by Spain. Various 
circumstances concur in strengthening this opinion. It is 
believed that Mr. Gallatin is coming home also, but who 
will succeed him is unknown. Doctor Bibb of Georgia, is 
appointed Governor of Alabama. The Secretary is not 
appointed, and it is thought will not be until Congress 
meets, tho' I think otherwise. Lane, from Kentucky, has 



LETTER OF AUG. CHOUTEAU. 141 

a recommendation for Secretary of Alabama equal to a 
large volume, and several other members of the last Con- 
gress are candidates. Col. Lane is well. 

Accept assurances of my highest respect and friendship. 

D. P. Cook. 
His Excellency NlNlAN EDWARDS, 

Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. 



LETTER OF AUGUSTE CHOUTEAU* 

St. Louis, April the 16th, 1818. 

DEAR Sir: — I have lately received your letter of the 
8th inst. I accept my new appointment as a commis- 
sioner to treat with the Indian nations residing on the 
other side of the Mississippi river, and as soon as I will 
have received my commission, I will give immediate notice 
of it to the Government. 

I am much pleased to have you for my colleague, and am 
fully confident that it is only at your request and in conse- 
quence of your opinion of my influence on the mind of 
the Indians with whom I have had so long and numerous 
relations, that I am indebted for my appointment. I feel 
sincerely that although old and infirm I have and will have 

* Colonel Auguste Chouteau was one of the earliest settlers of St. Louis, 
and during nearly all his life was largely engaged in the Indian trade. He 
had great influence over all the Indian tribes in the Northwest, and was often 
employed by the Government in negotiating treaties with the Indian tribes. 
Under the appointment referred to in the letter, in conjunction with Benjamin 
Stephenson, a treaty was negotiated with the Kickapoos at Edwardsville in 
June, 1819. A prominent business man, he was ever distinguished for his 
great integrity and probity of character. He was the brother of Pierre Chou- 
teau, Jr., of St. Louis, one of the most distinguished business men of his 
time. Auguste Chouteau married a daughter of Pierre Menard of Kaskaskia. 



142 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

forever no greater desire than to serve my country. I 
have not a great confidence in my abilities nor in my 
power over the Indian nations, but nevertheless, I enter- 
tain the flattering hope that by our united endeavours we 
will attain the end pointed out by our Government. 

By your letter I cannot form a just and distinct idea of 
the boundaries of the tract of land which the Government 
desires to purchase, and I will have it only when we will 
confer together about it and by the instructions which we 
will receive on that subject, nevertheless, I think as yourself, 
that it will be proper to adopt some preparatory measures,, 
and I certainly shall not neglect any means which I will 
believe conducive to our success. I am entirely of your 
opinion, that the discussions and conclusions of a treaty 
with Indian nations living on the eastern side of the Mis- 
sissippi must take place in your Territory, and I have no 
objection that the place of our meeting be at Edwardsville, 
where I will go as soon as circumstance may require, and 
even before your return at home, if I was notified by Mr. 
Mette of the arrival of some Indian chiefs of whom it 
should be convenient to fortify by speeches and presents 
the good dispositions, I have given to Mr. Mette particular 
instructions on the subject and with confidence I rely on 
his exactitude. 

I am also of opinion that the most proper way will be 
to begin a treaty with the Kaskaskias (or Illinois) nation, 
and after to make a separate treaty with the Kikapoux, 
but as I have above said, I will delay to adopt any ideas 
and a course in our transactions, till I have consulted with 
you and received communication of our instructions. In. 






LETTER OF AUG. CHOUTEAU. 143 

this moment the Indians are yet in their winter excursions, 
there is nothing to do; but on their return at their respec- 
tive villages if some of their chiefs pass by St. Louis, 
Edwardsville, or Kaskaskias, I will use all my influence 
over them to fortify their good dispositions, nevertheless 
without making to them any too open or fixed proposals 
and I will expect your return to that effect. 

If by circumstances I was in want of some goods I will 
apply to Col. Stevenson as you direct me. 

I am very sorry that I have not received sooner informa- 
tion of the intention of the Government as about three 
weeks ago a chief, whose amity and opinion will be im- 
portant to us, was then at St. Louis. 

I am with the greatest consideration and respect of your 
Excellency. The most obedient servant, 

Aug. Chouteau. 
To his Ex'y N. EDWARDS, 

Governor of the Illinois Territory, 

Frankfort, Kent'y. 

St. Louis, July the 17, 18 18. 
SIR: — Having been told that you are come back of your 
last journey to Kentucky, I send you this express to be 
certain of it and in the same time to forward to you the 
inclosed letters which have been particularly recommended 
to my care. Since your departure I have not had relations 
whatsoever with the Indian nations of your Territory. I 
am convinced that my proposals should have been coldly 
received; Mr. R'd Graham has told me that he is directed 
to bring to them those annuities to them in the month of 



144 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

next August. I consider that payment as indispensable 
before the opening of negotiations, at our first meeting I 
will explain to you my opinion on that subject. Mr. R'd 
Graham appears to me an agent who by his zeal and con- 
duct deserves our confidence. 

Having been informed by public rumor that Gen. Smith 
had given orders for the evacuation of Fort Clark, and 
considering the actual occupation of that post as very im- 
portant and conducive to the success of our future negotia- 
tions, by a letter I have informed the Gen. Smith of my 
opinion and by his answer he told me that he was sorry to 
have not been sooner informed of the opinion of the Com- 
missioners, but having that fort evacuated since two or 
three weeks it was not in his power to change that dis- 
position. 

I hope that my last letter of the 17 of last April, and 
directed to Francfort, is come safely to your hands. 

I should be very satisfied if your intention was to come 
at St. Louis, to have the honor and pleasure to see you and 
in the same time to communicate with you on the intended 
negotiations, but if you are detained at Edwardsville, 
please to let me know when you will think proper that I 
meet you there and if it will be then necessary that I 
bring with me an interpreter. I am with the greatest 
consideration and respect of your Excellency, 

The most obedient servant, 

His Excellency 

N. Edwards, {7? 0U7J ./?10 UjZWjo 
Governor and Com- 
missioner, &c. 




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LETTER OF DAN'L P. COOK. 145 

LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK. 

GOLCONDA, August 3rd, 1 8 18. 

Dear Gov'r. — I enclose you a petition which a few 
have signed for the purpose of getting an appointment for 
Capt. Dillard. 

Benj. W. Patton, Esq., says he knows him well and that 
he is a man of good character and capacity. I know him 
myself. He is a clever fellow, I think, and a smart one. 

I wish you would send the commission by the next mail 
after the return of Reynolds to Kaskaskia. I hope you 
won't forget it. 

I shall in this county get a large vote, about one-half, 
some say more. I made a speech and excited warm op- 
position from slavemen, but still warmer support from free- 
men. 

McLean it is said, will beat Bond four to one in Craw- 
ford, Edwards, White, and Gallatin. In this county he will 
get but few votes. McLean will run well. 

Yours respectfully, 

Dan'l P. Cook. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Kaskaskia. 



LETTER OF THOMAS H. BENTON* 

St. Louis, Oct. 27th, 1818. 
Dear Sir: — Our mutual friend, Gen. Bissell, wishes to 
command in this department. Gen. Smith has retired, and 

* This letter of Thomas H. Benton was written to Governor Edwards a 
few days after he had been elected senator of the United States, in October, 
1 81 8. A lithograph is given. 

IO 



I46 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

if long and faithful services deserve any reward, it would 
be but just to gratify Gen. Bissell in this wish. Mr. Scott 
will speak with the secretary of war, and your voice would 
doubtless have its weight if joined to his. 

We shall wish you to give us all help in the advance- 
ment of our territory. Thine, 

Thomas H. Benton. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND* 
Kaskaskia, State of Ielinois, 

November 24th, 18 18. 

Dear Sir: — Mr. Pope informs me that you wish a state- 
ment of the' number of inhabitants of the State as returned 
to the convention. I have requested Mr. Kane to make 
the statement and forward it to you with his certificate, 
tho' I am in hopes you will not need it, that the constitu- 
tion will be ratified and we get the news by the time the 
certificate reaches you. 

I will now say something on the subject of the law 
which was passed at the last session of Congress respect- 
ing the Registers and Receivers of Public Monies. That 
law limits their pay to three thousand dollars, and allows 
the Receivers no more than the Registers, notwithstanding 
the Receiver has as much or more writing to do than the 
Register, his accounts more difficult, his reports, particu- 
larly those made at the end of every quarter, are more 
troublesome than any business which the Register has to 

* Shadrach Bond was inaugurated governor October 6th, 1818. The letter 
was written the last of the following month, and before Edwards and Thomas 
had been admitted as senators from the State of Illinois. 



LETTERS OF SHADRACH BOND. I 47 

attend to in his office, besides this the Receiver has to be 
responsible for the cash, and to convey it (at his own ex- 
pense) to whatever bank the Secretary of the Treasury 
may direct. This certainly entitles him to one-half per 
cent more than the Register gets, and which was the dif- 
ference allowed by the old law. Should anything be done 
for the Receivers I hope they may be allowed the half per 
cent on all the monies received from the time the limita- 
tion law was passed in April last. 

Mr. P. Foulke has been recommended for the place of 
Marshal of the State. I hope he may get your support. 

As soon as you and Judge Thomas get your seats in the 

Senate and it is known what time you are to hold them, I 

will thank you to give me the information. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your friend, &c, 

S. Bond. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR BOND TO EDWARDS 
THOMAS, AND McLEAN* 

KASKASKIA, January 5th, 18 19. 
GENTLEMEN: — The act of Congress enabling the people 
of the Illinois Territory to form a State government among 
other provisions, has provided that all salt springs, &c, within 
the State shall be granted to the State for the use of the 
same. The saline near Shawneetown had been previously 
leased under the authority of the general government, which 
lease will not be determined until the month of June, 1820. 

* This letter, though signed by Bond, is in the handwriting of Elias Kent 
Kane, who was the first secretary of state for the State of Illinois, and when 
Bond was governor. 



148 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

The object at the present is to inquire from you and 
through you from the President, what measures if any, 
have been or will be taken to put this State into the pos- 
session of the rents arising from that contract of lease, 
which have accrued since the adoption of the constitution 
of the State and which will continue to accrue until the 
termination of the lease. It is desirable that I should be 
furnished with information upon the subject at an early 
period as the General Assembly will meet on the third 
Monday of the present month, that I may lay the same 
before that body. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your most obedient servant, 

S. Bond. 

The Honorables N. Edwards, J. B. Thomas, and Jno. 
McLean. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK.* 

KASKASKIA, January 14, 1819. 
Dear Gov.: — I beg leave to introduce to your acquaint- 
ance my friend, Greenberry Ridgeley, Esq., of Kentucky. 
Mr. Ridgely wishes to obtain the appointment of Secre- 
tary of the Arkansas Territory, and from a long and inti- 
mate acquaintance with him, I take pleasure in the oppor- 
tunity now afforded to say to you that he is a young 

* Governor Edwards drew the short term for senator, which expired March 
4, 1819. The election for the long term came on at the 2d session of the 
same legislature, which convened January 4th, 1819. At the time of writing 
this letter, on the 14th of that month, Mr. Cook expresses the opinion that 
Mr. Edwards would be "reappointed" nem. con. 



LETTERS OF DAN L P. COOK. 1 49 

gentleman of talents and worth. If you can render him 
any service in promoting his desires you will confer a 
meritorious favor on him, and also an act of friendship 
which I shall highly esteem. 

I received your letter of the ioth inst. and am glad that 
friend Phillips is likely to be treated as I wish. 

The legislature meets on Monday next, when I think you 
will be re-appointed to the U. S. Senate nem. con. 

Accept assurances of friendship, 
D. P. Cook. 

KASKASKIA, February 2, 1819. 
DEAR Gov.: — I have waited for some time with the 
hope of being able to inform you of the result of the Sen- 
atorial election, but it is yet undetermined. A proposition 
was made this day to divide the State into two senatorial 
districts by the meridian line — votes in the H. R., 12 for, 
15 against* Such are the results of the lawless projects 
of competitors to defeat your election. I thought once 
you would not have competition, but your not declaring 
yourself to the legislature as a candidate has given foot- 
hold to such fellows as Kitchell and Hargrave, than whom 

* This letter of Mr. Cook will show that the contests in this State for 
United States senator, which has ever since been kept up with a great deal 
of feeling — not to say acrimony — commenced in the first legislature ever held 
in this State. In his previous letter above published Mr. Cook expressed the 
opinion that Governor Edwards would have no opposition. It is evident that 
he was very much mistaken, for in less than three weeks afterward a very seri- 
ous contest had been developed, and a strong effort made to defeat the gov- 
ernor. There are but few people at this day who are aware of the effort, 
adverse to the interest of Governor Edwards, which were made in this 'legis- 
lature to divide the State into two senatorial districts. This absurd proposi- 
tion was defeated in the House by a vote of 12 for and 15 against. Mr. Cook 



150 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

no men are more ignorant and corrupt. The election is to 
be held next Monday. I think you will get 26 votes with- 
out doubt. 

I have been industrious in suppressing those feelings 
which wickedness has been attempting to excite in the 
minds of many, and were it not that your friends are ever 
on the alert, they would triumph. 

You believe Gov. Bond to be your friend — I do not. 
The nest which float around him are all against you. 
Kane is even supporting the senatorial division of the 
State. Captains Field and Willcox keep the lower Ohio 
members right. With them I have been intimate and I 
believe, have prevented the latter from being duped by 
Kane. Your hinting and not openly avcring your wish 
has left you almost defenceless. 

I have determined again on offering for Congress. I 
expect the election will take place in April or May. 

Hubbard, to whom you have been writing nothing in 
fact, to him however much, is your enemy, treacherous and 
insidious. If they fail in electing, in beating you they may 

was very indignant at the means used in the effort to defeat Gov. Edwards. 
Kitchell and Hargrave, who are alluded to, were members of the State senate; 
the former from White and the latter from Crawford County. Mr. Cook had 
some very decided opinions in regard to some of the politicians of that period. 
Governor Bond's loyalty to Governor Edwards was questioned, while Kane, 
his secretary of state was openly against him. Captains Eield (Green B. ) and 
Wilcox were members of the house of representatives, the former from Pope 
and the latter from Johnson County. The Hubbard named as the "treacher- 
ous and insidious enemy" of Governor Edwards was Adolphus Frederick 
Hubbard of Shawneetown, who was elected lieutenant-governor in 1822, the 
same year that Edward Coles was elected governor; and in 1826 he was one 
of the candidates for governor against Ninian Edwards. 



LETTER OF DAN L P. COOK. 15 I 

yet unite for you. It is yet uncertain however, what they 
may effect. 

I have recommended Enoch Moore for Surveyor-Gen- 
eral, at his request. I know of no competition. 

Your friend, 

Dan'l P. Cook. 
The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 
Washington. 



CHAPTER IX. 

Letter of Gov. Bond; rental of the salines; election of U. S. sena- 
tor; Col. Jones a candidate ; doubts as to who would be elected; 
letter of Thomas Cox ; announces to Gov. Edwards his election 

as U. S. senator; Kitchell did "his d st" to keep him out; 

objections made to Edwards; Cox a prominent figure in early 
Illinois politics; a state senator from Union County; removes 
to Iowa, and commanded the "Regulators" at the "battle of 
Bellevue", April i, 1840; member of the Iowa Territorial Legis- 
lature and speaker of the House of Representatives; dies at 
Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1843; letter of John Marshall, president of 
the Shawneetown Bank ; letter of John Caldwell; letter of Daniel 
P. Cook, when a candidate for Congress against John McLean, 
in 1819 ; what Jesse B. Thomas and Col. Michael Jones said ; 
Dr. Alexander says he shall not get a vote in his county; letter 
of Thomas H. Benton ; vote for John Scott for Congress to be 
major-general ; letter of Richard M. Johnson ; "Rumpsey, Dump- 
sey, Col. Johnson killed Tecumseh " ; red plush and double- 
breasted waistcoat ; a letter of John Reynolds ; the Goshen 
Settlement; a friend of Daniel S. Cook; "start Stephenson on 
the chase" ; letter of Daniel P. Cook. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR BOND * 

KASKASKIA, February 6th, 18 19. 
DEAR Sir: — By last mail I received yours of the 24th 
December; am pleased that you will attend to my claim 
as receiver, but sorry to hear of the opposition to Capt. 
Foulke. 

* This letter was written during pendancy of the senatorial election, and it 
certainly could not have been very reassuring to Governor Edwards. 



LETTER OF SHADRACH BOND, 1 53 

Some time before this letter came to hand I received 
one of the 27th of the same month on the subject of the 
metal at the saline. I laid the same before the Legisla- 
ture; they have come to no resolution on that subject. 
This day I expect a law to pass authorizing me to enter 
into a new contract with the lessees. They are now wait- 
ing, and I have but a few moments to write. Next 
Monday is the day fixed by the Legislature to elect a 
Senator for the 16th Congress. It has been stated by 
some that you are willing to serve again. Col. Jones is 
also a candidate. I can not say who will be elected, for 
there is considerable division amongst the members. 

I have taken Jonathan Elliot's paper for some time; it 
comes so irregular that I will thank you to have it stop- 
ped, and pay what I owe him, which I suppose to be for 
one year. In haste. Your friend, S. Bond. 

The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Washington City. 



LETTER OF THOMAS. COX* 

KASKASKIA, February 8th, 18 19. 
SIR: — You are re-elected to the United States Senate 

* Thomas Cox was at this time a senator from Union County, and was 
quite a prominent figure in the early history of the State. He was subse- 
quently appointed register of the United States Land Office at Springfield. 
He was conspicuous for his advocacy in 1823-4 of the convention resolution, 
designed to make Illinois a slave State. While in the Land Office, charges 
of official misconduct were made against him and he was removed. In 1836, 
he removed to that part of Wisconsin Territory which in June, 1838, was 
constituted Iowa Territory. He was elected in 1838 a member of the House 
of Representatives for the first Territorial Legislature of Iowa. He was 



154 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

for six years, which has completely placed you out of the 
reach of your enemies. Col. Jones was your opponent. 
He got 19 votes and you 23. There has been more trick- 
ery and intrigue made use of than you have any idea of 
I suppose that some of your friends will give you the par- 
ticulars of what has transpired. If they do not, you will 
hear it when you come home. I wish that you could see 
a letter I received from the honorable senatorf* from this 
county a few minutes before the election came on yester- 
day. He protested against me having a seat in the Legis- 
lature because I would not vote for Jones, for which I 
intend to impeach him. Your friend Kitchell has done 
his D— st to keep you out. 

I write you in great haste, mostly to let you know that 
you were re-elected again. There is a great many of them 
that appear to die very hard deaths. I wish I was with 
you one hour, just to give you a history of matters and 
things. I write in great haste. 

Your friend and humble servant, 

Thomas Cox. 

re-elected in 1839, and became speaker of the House, and was again re-elected 
in 1840. In April, 1840, he commanded the "Regulators", who, after a 
pitched battle, drove out a gang of murderers, horse-thieves, counterfeiters, 
and black-legs who had got the possession of Bellevue, Iowa. He was 
regarded in Iowa Territory at that early period as an able and popular man, 
with many excellent qualities, but whose usefulness was impaired by his unfor- 
tunate habits. He died at Maquoketa, Iowa, in 1843. 

It seems by this letter of Colonel Cox that Governor Edwards was elected 
senator, he having received twenty-three votes as against nineteen for Michael 
Jones, who was then a state senator from Gallatin County. Mr. Cook had 
predicted that Governor E wards would get twenty -six votes. He was 
elected, though Kitchell had " done his d st to keep him out. " 

+ The senator from Randolph County at this time, referred to by Mr. Cox, 
was John McFerron. 



LETTER OF JOHN MARSHALL. 1 55 

P. S. — The objections to you are these: That you will 
get all those old land claims, that were rejected by Jones, 
confirmed; and that you are opposed to the donation of 
land that the Legislature has petitioned Congress for.* 



LETTER OF JOHN MARSHALL.f 

Shawneetown, 25 th May, 1819. 
Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 20th instant is just 
handed me by Mr. Kelly, but such is the hurry of my 
business at the present moment (the Circuit Court being 
now sitting) that I feel unable to write you as fully on the 
subject of your letter as I could wish. Your faithful 
exertions at Washington last winter has procured for the 
people of Illinois and those particularly in this land dis- 
trict the most essential advantages. The present arrange- 
ment giving such general satisfaction to the people I am 
astonished to think that there can any be found among us 
so great a foe to the welfare and happiness of our rising 
State as to envy us those advantages and wish to drive us 
back into all those difficulties out of which, by means of 
your exertions we have been so recently extricated. I 
have some knowledge of the low plodding and cunning of 
certain characters at Kaskaskia. I saw enough last fall 
to give me a tolerable idea of some of them, but did not 
think them capable of a scheme so injurious to the people. 

* This must have been a gross misrepresentation, for Gov. Edwards was 
always most liberal in his support of all donations of public lands. 

t John Marshall was the president of the Shawneetown Bank. He was a 
man of much prominence in his time. He was a member of the first House 
of Representatives in the Illinois Legislature, but resigned his seat. 



156 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

The course the receiver at Kaskaskia has lately pursued 
towards our bank, one day taking our notes and the next 
day refusing them, thus vexing the holders and thereby 
trying to impair the credit of our bank, shows their hos- 
tility towards us as well as yourselve. The Bank of 
Missouri, acting in the same way, or rather worse; when- 
ever she thinks proper to take our notes it is with a view 
alone of making a run for specie, as proof of this I need 
only mention that she has lately paid us a visit and car- 
ried off $12,000 of our specie. The immense deposits 
made in the Bank of Missouri has given her an undue 
influence over her neighbors, which she has exercised in 
the most tyrannical manner; notwithstanding this great 
display of strength it is thought by many that if the 
public deposits were withdrawn that her situation would 
not be better than that of her neighbors. I can assure 
you the directors of this bank, so far as have came to my 
knowledge, are disposed to be on the most friendly terms 
with the Bank of Edwardsville; they had ordered the 
cashier to receive your notes, but various reports reaching 
us almost every day of the most unfavourable nature, the 
directors thought proper to recind that order until they 
could be informed of the true situation of your bank. I 
have now little doubt but the order will be renewed for 
taking them, for my own part, having a personal acquaint- 
ance with some of your board, I always believed these 
reports were a base fabrication, and have uniformly con- 
tinued to receive and give every facility to the circulation 
of your notes that a person in my line of business could 
do. 



LETTER OF JOHN MARSHALL. 1 57 

Your object being to promote the public good you will 
not, I do hope, despair or suffer yourself to be driven 
from the stand you have taken by the machinations of a 
few envious men at Kaskaskia aided by a moneyed in- 
stitution, grown into importance by means of the public 
deposits, and still wishing to retain them by destroying 
everything that stands in the way. 

The importance of the advantages that you have 
secured for our institution and the people in this quarter 
are duly appreciated and trust our conduct will be such as 
to merit the confidence you have placed in us. We are 
sensible of the responsibility you took upon yourself in 
getting our bank made a place of deposit for the public 
money and hope the integrity of our institution and the 
prudent conduct which will govern all our transactions will 
make you perfectly easy as to the safety of these deposits. 

Having experienced the same difficulties in the com- 
mencement of our operations which the Bank of Edwards- 
ville is now labouring under we cannot but sympathize 
and wish you every success against your powerful neigh- 
bor as well as domestic enemies, and I think I may assure 
you that any and everything unfriendly to your institution 
will be discountenanced in this quarter. I have not now 
leisure to say more. You may again hear from me. I am 
am, dear sir, most respectfully, 

Your friend and humble serv't, 

Jno. Marshall. 

The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Edwardsville, Illinois. 



158 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF JOHN CALDWELL." 

SHAWNEETOWN, 4 June, 18 19. 

Dear Sir: — I have the pleasure to inform you that on 
yesterday the directors of our bank came to the resolution 
of receiving the notes of the Bank of Edwardsville as well 
on deposit to the credit of the United States for land sold 
in this district as in payment of debts due to the institu- 
tion. 

When I wrote to you on the 24th ulto. it was expected 
this arrangement would have been effected immediately, 
but finding some of the directors were averse to receiving 
your notes it was deemed most prudent by your friends 
to remove gradually the bias that misrepresentations had 
formed in their minds. 

As this arrangement has been entered into on our part 
from the best of motives it is expected a corresponding 
disposition will be exercised by your bank towards us; 
that at stated periods the amount of notes which are held 
upon each other will be made known, and when opportuni- 
ties offer of putting out the notes of either at a distance 
from the bank which emitted them that it will be done, 
and above all not to hold up the notes of each other with 
a view to harass or make a run for specie unless dire 
necessity compels the unpleasant measure. I am with 
much respect and esteem, Yours sincerely, 

Jno. Caldwell. 

The Hon. N. EDWARDS, Edwardsville, Illinois. 

* Mr. Caldwell was associated with Mr. Marshall in the Shawneetown 
Bank at this time. 



LETTER OF DAN L P. COOK. 159 

P. S. — Be pleased to inform Col. Stephenson of the con- 
tents of this letter. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK* 

Edwards ville, July 16, 1819. 
DEAR Sir: — I have been so engaged I could not get 
away from this place as soon as I expected. I shall leave 
here to-morrow. I find there are great exertions making 
by Governor Bond against me. He is even sending for 
the old French people to see him, that he may get them 
to vote against me. Judge Thomas has been here lately 
and left a report that you and I had a sham quarrel for 
the purpose of deluding the people in Edwardsville who 
were opposed t'o you, and in that way to get them to 
vote for me. How disgraceful to a Senator is such con- 
duct! He says, "By God he will do twenty times as much 
as he has yet done but what he will defeat me!" The 

* This letter was written in the heat of Mr. Cook's contest for Congress 
against Mr. McLean, in the summer of 1819. Mr. Cook was then fighting a 
battle almost single-handed and alone against many of the most prominent 
men in the State: Governor Bond, Elias Kent Kane, Judge Jesse B. Thomas 
— United States senator — Dr. Alexander of Pope Co., Colonel Michael Jones 
of Shawneetown — whom Governor Edwards had beaten for United States 
senator — and Dr. Fisher. He, however, triumphed over them all. 

Michael Jones had been the candidate for United States senator in Febru- 
ary, 1 819, obtaining in the Legislature nineteen votes against twenty-three for 
Governor Edwards. He was a Pennsylvanian by birth; came into Illinois 
Territory at an early day; and was register of the Land Office at Kaskaskia 
in 1809. He is represented by Governor Reynolds as having been "a sprightly 
man of plausible and pleasing address," and well qualified for business if he 
had been "clear of excitement." "His mind was above the ordinary range, 
but his passion swept over it at times like a tornado. " He removed from 
Kaskaskia to Shawneetown, and was a member of the Senate from Gallatin 
County at the first session of the Illinois Legislature. He was a bitter oppo- 
nent of Governor Edwards. 



l60 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

French people will all vote for me unless they are changed. 

I am told Doctor Alexander says I shall not get a vote 
in his county, and that there will be strong opposition in 
Union. Col. Jones has proclaimed in a drunken frolic that 
since I have "tied" myself to you that, by God, we shall 
both fall together, and that you shall see you are weak 
before the people, altho' you succeeded before the Legis- 
lature. 

The Governor refuses to appoint a judge until after the 
election, for the purpose, it is said, of keeping as many 
friends to McLean as possible. 

They boast here that I will get no votes in Alton, that 
Judge Thomas has set all things right at that place. May 
not some good yet be done there by a little trouble? 

I cannot hear one word from the east side of the State, 
I know not how they are going on. I can only hear that 
they are making great noise about the election. 

Ca'n't you get Winchester to go to the Sangamo Town- 
ship; and do, for God's sake, try to get Major Whiteside 
to spur up Major St. Clair at Alton. I believe it will re- 
quire some exertions to succeed against these jugglers. 
They have been trying to take Matheny from me by offer- 
ing an office; they may have succeeded, I cannot tell. 
Mr. Pope is all alive on the subject, since they avow a 
determination to break down the party, as they call it, 
and prove its feebleness before the people. It looks like 
giving a challenge. They have swindled me out of the 
support of Doctor Fisher. You may judge by this of 
their exertions. 



LETTER OF THOMAS H. BENTON. l6l 

For God's sake get our warm friends rallied. The day 
may be ours, with industry, not else. 

Your friend, Dan'l. P. COOK. 
Hon. N. Edwards, Edwardsville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF THOMAS H. BENTON * 

St. Louis, July 26th, 18 19. 

Dear Sir: — The declaration on the part of Mr. Paul 
shows the partnership, and does not show a settlement of 
accounts and a balance struck. Of consequence upon the 
face of his own pleading he has no cause of action. A 
demurrer has therefore become necessary; which we can 
use safely, as on account of the great liberality of the 
courts in allowing them to be withdrawn, the pleas to the 
merits, and those which are intended to show the fairness 
of your conduct, and to which they will of course demur, 
can be immediately put in. The cause therefore stands 
at present upon demurrer. Shall we not have the pleasure 
to see you in the course of the event, and at all events, 
before you return? The election goes well here. Mr. 
Scott's vote will be very general. At Boons-lick, 4th 
July, they adopted unanimously in an assembly of 200 or 
300 persons a resolution of approbation, and of support. 
Hammond, I think, will not only lose what he seeks, but 
also what he has. I am, dear sir, yours respectfully, 

Thomas H. Benton. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq., Edwardsville. 

* John Scott of St. Genivieve was elected as a delegate to Congress this 
year, and the next year, Missouri Territory having been admitted into the 
Union as a state, he was elected the first representative to Congress. 
II 



1 62 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OE RICHARD M. JOHNSON.* 

Great Crossings, 31st July, 18 19. 

Dear Sir: — I enclose to you the reply to my com- 
munication to Mr. Crawford as to the subject of your 
letter to me as to his friendly disposition. I have rec'd 
an intimation in a letter from my brother that Gen. Payne 
has forfeited his stock as he did not pay the 2d instal- 
ment. Has the 2d instalment been generally paid bona 
fide and not borrowed out of the bank before nor since? 
Has any man paid $12,500 in and no loan upon it, &c, &c. 

I wish to hear from you on this subject. I can not, I 
will not believe that the directors will permit such a thing. 
I rely upon your justice and your friendship, I rely upon 
their justice and the past which has been acted by us here 
in relation to the Edwardsville Bank. 

Please write me and do not permit such a thing as a 



* Richard M. Johnson had served both as a representative and senator in 
Congress from the State of Kentucky, and was elected vice-president in 1836 
on the ticket with Martin VanBuren. He distinguished himself in the War 
of 1 81 2 on the Canadian frontier, and, as it was claimed, that in a hand-to- 
hand combat he had killed the Indian war-chief Tecumseh, and the couplet 

ran: 

" Rumsey, Dumpsey, 

Col. Johnson killed Tecumseh. " 

He was vice-president and presiding officer of the Senate when I first visited 
Washington, in March, 1840. He wore a red plush, double-breasted waist- 
coat, presided in a kindly off-hand way, and was universally popular. In 
1840, he again ran on the ticket for vice-president with Mr. VanBuren; but 
was buried by the political tornado which that year swept over the country, 
and which carried " Tippecanoe and Tyler too, " into power. A lithograph of 
the letter is given. 



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LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 1 63 

forfeiture; you may rely upon it such a system will never 
do. With sincerity, yours in friendship, 

Rh. M. Johnson. 
Hon. N in ian Edwards, 

Edwardsville, Illinois. 
I never can be reconciled to a forfeiture of the stock of 
my friend under the circumstances. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 

Goshen,* 19 July, 1820. 

Dear Sir: — I have returned from Greene County, and 
found matters and things right there. Cook, with the 
exception of Lofton's settlement, will get all the votes. 
I think he will get three-fourths of the county. McLean 
has turned Cummins. Caldwell, I understand, is for Cook. 
My brother Thomas states that Maxwell, James Morrison, 
old Robert and their dependants are working against 
Cook. Philips is the cause of this. My brother says that 
Browne, on the Ohio, was McLean's friend, and the people 
there is considerably for McLean. I thought it would not 
be amiss to inform you of the above. 

Jones, you see, is out. I promised him your support, as 
you said. Now allow me to request you to start Stephen- 
son in the chase. Winchester promised me; so did some 
in the old town. Judy and all my friends are on the charge 
for Jones. 

* The Goshen settlement was in what is now Madison County, and here the 
father of Mr. Reynolds settled in 1807. John Reynolds was then a friend to 
Mr. Cook, who was then making his canvass for Congress against McLean. 



1 64 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Do not forget to impress Hays with the necessity of 
staying in Cahokia at the election. Snyder will try to 
turn the French for McLean. This must not be neglected. 

Col. John W. Scott's brother, Alexander, wants to get 
the mail to carry from Edwardsville to Carrollton. I 
promised to mention the thing to you. If there is no 
applicant or bidder he could do the business. 
I am, your friend, 

John Reynolds. 

Hon. Niniax Edwards, Edwardsville. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK. 

Edwardsville, Sept. 26, 1820. 

In all cases where the happiness of parents is so much 
identified with that of their children as I conceive yours 
and Mrs. Edwards' to be, I hold it to be the duty of every 
gentleman before he makes an effort to obtain the affec- 
tion of any one of them to consult and know the feelings 
of such parents; and wishing, as I do, to communicate 
views of that kind to your daughter Julia, I therefore 
desire to be informed whether it will meet the approbation 
of you and Mrs. Edwards or not. 

On all occasions I should think this a proper course, but 
then more so in this particular case, because I am pro- 
posing to interfere in the domestic relations of those who 
have been my friends on all occasions. 

In wishing thus to create a new 7 relationship between us, 
I am not acting under the influence of feelings hastily- 
awakened, but in conformity to those which my acquaint- 



LETTER OF DAN'L P. COOK. 1 65 

ance with your daughter almost from her infancy has long 
since produced. Whether she entertains correspondent 
feelings or not I have yet to ascertain, and in doing it I 
wish to tread on peaceful ground — I wish to know that no 
parental sensibility will be wounded. 

In making this communication, I hope I shall not, by 
any answer which your respective feelings to your daughter 
may dictate, jeopardize that friendship which I have had 
so many evidences of your entertaining towards me. 

My desire to know your views connected with the 
necessity of my early departure from this place, I hope, 
will afford a proper apology for asking as early an answer 
as may be convenient. With the highest regard, I have 
the honor to be Your friend, &c, 

Dan'l P. Cook. 

Hon. N. Edwards, present. 



CHAPTER X. 

Letter of Ninian Edwards when U. S. senator to President Monroe ; 
protests against the appointment of Foulke for one of the land- 
offices at Palestine ; calls attention of the president to his recom- 
mendation for office ; Gen. Smith recommended ; correspondence 
between Senators Edwards and Thomas in regard to action of 
the Senate on the nomination of Edward Humphrey as land- 
officer at Kaskaskia ; letter of Ninian Edwards to Wm. H. Craw- 
ford, in relation to Mr. Humphrey ; letter of Rufus King, U. S. 
senator from New York; Mr. King one of the ablest statesmen 
this country ever produced; born in Scarboro', in the province 
of Maine; the greatest man ever born in Maine; Sir William 
Pepperell placed next after him ; George Evans intellectually the 
equal, or superior, of either of them; Col. Benton's description of 
Rufus King; note verbale of Mr. Crawford; letter of Ninian 
Edwards to Mr. Crawford, touching recommendations to office 
by senators ; frank and able expressions of his views ; letter of 
William Wirt on the same subject; speaks with the authority 
of a great lawyer and statesman; the encroachments of the Sen- 
ate on executive authority; senators now forming syndicates to 
coerce the president in matter of appointments ; the intimate 
personal relations between Wirt and Edwards ; the letters of 
Mr. Wirt to Benjamin and Ninian Edwards; the charming char- 
acter of William Wirt; letter-writing now a lost art; letter of 
Thomas Reynolds, Junior; wants Edwards to run for governor; 
Reynolds removes to Missouri, and elected governor of that State 
in 1840. 

LETTER OF SENATOR EDWARDS TO 
PRESIDENT MONROE,* 

Dec. 22d, 1820. 
SIR: — About the close of the last session of Congress 

* At this time there were no distinctive national political parties, but the 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 67 

Gen. Guy W. Smith and Mr. Philip Foulke were nominated 
to the Senate U. S., the one for the appointment of Re- 
ceiver, and the other for that of Register of the land 
office at Palestine, in Illinois, which in consequence of 
objections made by myself to Mr. Foulke's appointment, 
were not then acted upon, and are not now considered 
within the power of the Senate, as I am informed by the 



politics of the State were altogether personal. No sooner had the two sena- 
tors — Governor Edwards and Judge Thomas — taken their seats than a squab- 
ble began, concerning the government offices in the new State. Thomas 
appears to have been the most habile politician of the two, and seems to have 
gotten the best of it in the distribution of the patronage It is evident that 
President Monroe was inclined to favor Thomas. This letter of Governor 
Edwards can not but be interesting, as illustrating the situation at the time it 
was written. 

The General Guy W. Smith whom Governor Edwards sought to have 
appointed as one of the land officers at Palestine, was a member of the State 
senate from Edwards County, in the first legislature, and was undoubtedly a 
strong supporter of Governor Edwards, The question as to how far the rec- 
ommendations of senators should control the nominations for offices in their 
own states was raised at an early day. When four men were to be appointed 
to the two new land offices in the State, created in 1821, Governor Edwards 
proposed to Mr. Crawford that he should be allowed to select two of them, 
and Judge Thomas, his colleague, the other two. Mr. Crawford — who was 
then the secretary of the treasury — wrote to Governor Edwards "that the 
proposition was deemed by the President inadmissable, as it would, in fact, be 
a transfer of the right of nomination vested by the Constitution in the Presi- 
dent to the Senators of the State." 

In his reply to Mr. Crawford, Governor Edwards disclaimed any intention 
of interfering with any prerogative of the President, and said, " I did not 
doubt that the distribution which I proposed could be made without any vio- 
lation or surrender of power on the part of the President, while it was the 
best calculated to give general satisfaction. " 

This subject seems to have been made a subject of correspondence between 
Governor Edwards and William Wirt, when the latter was attorney-general 
in the cabinet of Mr. Monroe. Mr. Wirt in a letter to Mr. Edwards, dated 
January nth, 1821, says: "I am very sure that the President has the most 
sincere regard for you. I do not understand, however, that he feels himself 
hound by the recommendations of the senators of the state in which the office 



1 68 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

President thereof. Of course, I presume it will be neces- 
sary to nominate the same, or other gentlemen for those 
appointments, and though many personal considerations 
would incline me to abstain from any interference what- 
ever in those cases, yet, believing that such a course would,, 
under existing circumstances, be considered by those whom 
I have the honor to represent, as a dereliction of the 
duties imposed upon me by my present station, I feel corn- 
is to be filled, even when the senators concur. In such a case he has great 
respect to their opinion, but he considers himself at perfect liberty to put a 
different character in nomination, without giving just cause of offence to them. 
The constitutional act of nominating is his; he ought to be free, therefore, to 
nominate whom he pleases. Were he bound even by the joint recommenda- 
tion of the senators, the nomination would cease to be the act of the Presi- 
dent — it would be that of the senators; while by the Constitution, the respon- 
sibility would still rest with the President. You can not but admit the 
correctness of this view of the subject; and I am told that the practice of the 
senators is in strict conformity with it; they wait till the President calls on 
them to express their opinion, and retire respectfully from any further inter- 
ference with the nomination, but with full liberty to exercise their rights, in 
turn, as senators when the nomination is sent in, and they have to vote on its- 
confirmation. The President asks no sacrifice of the rights of senators in 
opposing and rejecting his nominations, and why should they seek to narrow 
his freedom in making his nominations? * * * There is indeed another 
course which he may take, and which I think he ought to take, which is to 
nominate no person whom either senator declares unworthy of the office, if 
he can find a deserving man in the State, free from such objection — unless, 
indeed, the objection itself is destroyed by being discovered to proceed from 
a personal feeling or weakened by flowing from the animosity of local fac- 
tions. " 

This letter of Mr. Wirt's — with the authority of a great statesman and law- 
yer — lays down the true principle in the matter. Such an authoritative 
exposition can not but be read with great interest at this day, when the people 
realize that the Senate of the United States has been for a series of years 
virtually seeking to change the Constitution by encroachments upon the execu- 
tive authority. Syndicates of senators are now formed, the object of which 
is to reject every nomination made by the president of persons not recom- 
mended to him by the senators of the particular State where the offices are 
located. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 69 

pelled (most reluctantly however) to address you upon the 
subject. 

In cases which it has been in my power to control, and 
in which it might fairly be presumed my personal wishes 
were the strongest, I .trust I have given you some proof of 
an unwillingness on my part, to create any difficulties in 
relation to appointments, and were the present a case of 
this description I should most certainly pursue the same 
course, but as a representative of the State of Illinois I do 
not feel at liberty to yield to considerations that would 
govern me as a private individual, and therefore I beg 
leave to submit to you some reasons why I think Mr. 
Foulke ought not to be appointed. 

It appears to me to be a correct principle, and one 
which is also sanctioned by general practice, that federal 
as well as other appointments in any State should be 
made with some reference to the different sections thereof, 
and that justice as well as good policy requires, if not 
something like a reasonable distribution of such offices, at 
least that they should not be conferred exclusively upon 
one particular part of a State without some strong reasons, 
or apparent necessity for it. A total disregard of these 
considerations cannot fail to excite unpleasant jealousies, 
and to prevent that general satisfaction which I am sure, 
next to a faithful discharge of your duties, is the first 
object of your wishes. In this view of the subject, noth- 
ing of the kind could be more objectionable than the 
appointment of Mr. Foulke to the land office in Palestine, 
for he is an inhabitant of the village of Kaskaskia in the 
western part of the State, which has had every federal 



I/O THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

appointment that has at any time been confered upon the 
citizens of Illinois, except the appointments of Mr. Hardin, 
Mr. McLean, and Mr. Evving, all of Shawnee Town, on the 
southern side of the State. The eastern part in which is 
the land district of Palestine, containing a numerous, 
respectable, and intelligent population, has never had any 
federal appointment whatever, and therefore if there are 
citizens on that side of the State in every respect as 
meritorious, and well qualified for those offices, it appears 
to me that they ought to be prefered to citizens of the 
western side, already favored greatly beyond their due 
proportion, nor have I ever met with any man in the State 
who has advocated a different opinion, and permit me to 
assure you that there are gentlemen residing in the Pales- 
tine land district, willing to accept of the office, of un- 
questionable integrity, and very superior qualifications to 
those of Mr. Foulke; and that the appointment of the 
latter would be at least regretted by all, or nearly every 
man on the eastern side of the State; and I greatly mis- 
take, if I hazard anything in saying that no gentleman of 
any respectable standing who is a citizen of Illinois will 
contradict either of those statements in writing as I make 
them to you, or openly contend that, that office ought to 
be confered upon Mr. Foulke. Indeed the dissatisfaction 
manifested in the State on account of his former nomina- 
tion has been such, that the whole responsibility of that 
measure has been thrown upon yourself, of which I have 
the proof; and it is thought the more extraordinary since 
while you had no knowledge of the man yourself and his 
appointment was opposed by the representative from the 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. IJl 

State as well as myself, the other Senator did not, and 
would not take upon himself the responsibility jf request- 
ing, or recommending it, of which however I was but lately 
apprised. 

As to the recommendations of Mr. Foulke, if my ears 
did not deceive me when I heard them read, or my 
memory does not now deceive me, they are predicated 
upon the fidelity, and ability with which he discharged the 
duties of the office of Marshal while he held it, and yet 
my colleague who was a judge of the Superior Court, can ? 
I presume, inform you, that if there were a single suit, not 
more than one was ever commenced in the court with 
which the Marshal had any kind of connection, so that 
you must see how deceptive it is to predicate his claims 
upon so slight a foundation; having had nothing to do, or 
nothing of the least consequence, he might have done no 
harm, but to pretend that he had given proofs of his 
fidelity, ability, &c, in that office under such circumstances 
you must think is truly extraordinary. Many however 
knowing nothing about it, and having heard no complaint 
against him, were induced to credit the statement, and too 
easily suffered themselves to be persuaded to sign his 
recommendation, but they did not suppose that their 
recommendation of him as marshal would ever have been 
used in his favor for a land office appointment, or few of 
them, if any, would have signed it. I well know that 
none are more opposed to his appointment than some who 
did sign it. 

And I beg leave to state to you on the character of a 
Senator of Illinois, and upon the veracity and honor of a 



172 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

gentleman, that I do positively know he is utterly unquali- 
fied to discharge the duties of a land office appointment, 
being perfectly willing to take upon myself all the re- 
sponsibility of so positive a statement. 

If this is not sufficient, I can refer you to the War 
Department, and to disinterested members of Congress 
who can satisfy you that he is unworthy of the appoint- 
ment. I wish not be more particular unless it is desired,, 
because I hope it is unnecessary, and I presume with such 
an intimation you would not be willing to confide the 
public interest to this man without satisfying yourself of 
the correctness of my suggestion, when the means of 
doing so, are so convenient. 

Were I not to make those representations to you I 
should fail to perform a duty that is expected of me, and 
which I owe to a very respectable portion of the State of 
which I am a representative. Let me not however be 
misunderstood, these statements are not made as a claim 
for the appointment of any one, nor are they by any 
means designed to question your course of appointing 
whom you please, but they are respectfully submitted to 
you, in the painful discharge of a duty, for just such con- 
sideration as you may think it proper • to bestow upon 
them. 

I have no particular favorite for whom I wish to procure 
the appointment, and if I had, I should forbear to press 
his claims from any personal considerations. All that I 
wish is that some man worthy of the confidence of the 
Government may be appointed in the eastern part of the 
State, who may be most acceptable to the people thereof 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 173 

and barely refering to my letter upon the subject addressed 
to you during the last session of Congress I beg leave to 
invite your attention to the recommendations which I shall 
transmit to the Hon. Sec. of the Treasury in favor of two 
other gentlemen, both of whom are well supported, and I 
believe most deservedly so, without any reference to par- 
ties in Illinois. 

As to Gen. Smith's nomination, no objection whatever 
was made to it; none can be made, for the respectability 
of his character puts opposition at defiance, and permit me 
most respectfully to express a hope that my support of 
him may not be permitted to operate to his disadvantage ; 
his is the only nomination to a land office appointment out 
of the- last seven that have been made in Illinois which 
the representative of the State and myself together are to 
have the credit of having been able to procure, for the 
most extraordinary efforts are making to show that the 
appointment of Col. Cox was procured through the in- 
fluence of my colleague although you know to the con- 
trary. I however freely acknowledge myself defeated in 
five-sevenths of those nominations, in a majority of which 
I yielded with cheerfulness, not wishing, as I know you 
have good reason to believe, that the administration should 
seem to identify itself with the parties of Illinois, nor is it 
a source of the least uneasiness to me that five of those 
gentlemen are of the party opposed to me, further than as 
it imposes upon me the necessity of vindicating myself, 
which I am always ready to do, against the imputation of 
having deservedly forfeited the confidence that is usually 



174 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

reposed in, and the respect that is usually paid to, the 
recommendations of a member of Congress for appoint- 
ments in his own State. 

It can not but be a matter of surprise to the people of 
Illinois, and of unfavorable inference to myself, as well as 
to the representative of the State, to find such an extraor- 
dinary proportion of appointments given to a minority in 
the State, in opposition to the wishes of an overwhelming 
majority who have been uniformly, undeviatingly, ardently, 
and openly your personal and political friends and sup- 
porters. 

Of all those cases, that of Gen. Smith is the most diffi- 
cult for the people of Illinois to account for. A gentleman 
of one of the most respectable families in Kentucky, well 
educated, of excellent talents, unimpeachable integrity, 
possessing in an eminent degree the confidence of all his 
acquaintances, highly distinguished by the partiality of 
his fellow citizens, holding one of the first offices in the 
militia, and a seat in the Senate by their choice, and 
having but recently been honored with the confidence of 
the legislature, by having been selected by it, for an im- 
portant agency on behalf of the State, it was thought that 
no man could have been brought forward for one of the 
land office appointments under more favorable auspices. 
He wished one of the appointments at Vandalia, but it 
not being practicable to obtain that one for him, he was 
recommended by the representative of Illinois, and myself 
for one of the appointments at Palestine. No objection 
whatever was made to him by my colleague, and he had 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 175 

the good fortune to be nominated by you. The office, 
however, for which he had been a candidate soon after- 
wards became vacant, and I again recommended him for 
that vacancy, not supposing (as you had so lately nomi- 
nated him for a similar office) that any additional support 
was necessary. Under all these circumstances it was a 
matter of surprise that a young gentleman, certainly not 
more meritorious, recently settled in the State, with whom 
you had no personal acquaintance, and unsupported by 
any representative of the State (for my colleague disa- 
vows having recommended either him or Mr. Humphrey) 
should have been prefered to Gen. Smith, and the in- 
ference, which I cannot prevent at home, is that the 
former must have been recommended by some person in 
whom you had more confidence than in me; or that my 
support of the latter operated to his disadvantage. That 
it should have been so justly, I owe it to myself to refute, 
and I am not the less inclined to do so, from being taunted 
with Mr. E.'s having been recommended by "my friend, 
Gen. Jackson" a name of bad omen in some places, even 
for as humble an individual as I am. 

These circumstances are not mentioned in a spirit of 
complaint, but merely to account for the expression of my 
hope that Gen. Smith whose case is again about to present 
itself, may not be prejudiced by my support of him. This 
alone is the reason why I have adverted to those circum- 
stances on the present occasion. 

If, sir, any thing herein contained can by any means be 
construed into a want of the most profound respect for 



176 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

you, or the high station which you so deservedly fill, I beg 
leave to disclaim every such intention. 

Very respectfully, 

Y'r ob't serv't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
To Hon. James Monroe, 

President of the United States. 



LETTER OF N. EDWARDS TO JESSE B. 
THOMAS* 

Dec. 30, 1820. 
DEAR Sir: — I had the honor to receive your note of 
yesterday apprizing me "of your intention to call up for 
consideration the nomination of Edward Humphrey as 
Receiver of public moneys at Kaskaskia on Tuesday next," 
and as I shall not then be ready to act upon it, I would be 
gratified if you would agree to let the subject rest until 
Tuesday week, to which day, if you do call it up, I shall 
be obliged to move for its postponement, and as no possi- 
ble inconvenience can result from so short a delay I hope 
your consent will save the necessity of troubling the 
Senate upon the subject. Very respectfully, &c, 

N. Edwards. 

* It appears that at this time a controversy arose between the two senators 
in relation to the confirmation of the nomination of Edward Humphrey as 
receiver of public moneys at Kaskaskia. Humphrey was an early settler of 
Illinois, who had commenced life in the Territory of Illinois in 1805 as a 
school-teacher in the American Bottom; was a member of the house of rep- 
resentatives in the first state legislature. His nomination to the land-office 
was recommended by Thomas, but opposed by Edwards. He was, however, 
confirmed by the Senate. 



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LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 177 

LETTER OF JESSE B. THOMAS.* 

Dec. 31, 1820. 

Dear Sir: — In reply to your note of yesterday, which 
I this moment rec'd, and to which you request an answer, 
I have the honor to state that I cannot consent to the 
further postponement of Edward Humphrey's nomina- 
tion, nor did I suppose from the conversation we last had 
upon this subject that you would have made a proposition 
again to postpone a nomination so repeatedly laid over on 
your account, and which has been so long pending in the 
Senate. In the conversation to which I refer, I spoke of 
taking up the business last week, but was induced to let it 
lie on you requesting that it should not be acted on till 
Tuesday or Wednesday of this week. 

It is still my intention to call up the nomination on 
Tuesday next. I have the honor to be, 

Very respectfully, sir, your most ob't serv't, 

Jesse B. Thomas. 
The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Of the Senate, U. States. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO WILLIAM 

H. CRAWFORD, SECRETARY OF 

TREASURY.* 

Jan. 1, 1821. 

Sir: — Business that will probably be before the Senate 

* This letter of Judge Thomas to Governor Edwards was in reply to the 
one published above from Edwards, touching the nomination of Edward 
Humphrey. Lithographs of both of these letters are given, as being from 
the first two senators of the State. 

* This letter was written at the time when the nominations of Michael Jones 
for the land-office at Kaskaskia were before the Senate. 

12 



178 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

U. S. to-morrow renders me desirous to ascertain the date 
of Michael Jones' commission as Register of the land 
office for the Kaskaskia land district ; the date of Edward 
Humphrey's commission as Receiver of public moneys of 
the same district; whether Mr. Humphrey has given secu- 
rity, and if so, who they are. 

I also wish to obtain a copy of the letter I addressed to- 
the President of U. S. at the last session of Congress in 
which I proposed that Mr. Thomas should be gratified 
with the appointment of two out of the four land office 
appointments then about to be made, &c, &c. 

If you would have the goodness to have the information 

and the copy of the letter above mentioned transmitted to- 

me I should be much obliged. 

I am very respectfully, sir, y'r mo. ob'd't serv't,. 

N. Edwards. 
Hon. W. H. Crawford, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



LETTER OF RUFUS KING* 

Crawford's, Jan. 1, 1821. 

Dear Sir: — I have read with much attention, and no 

small interest, the copy of the letter which you sent to me 

for perusal; it cannot be ill received, and may lead to 

salutory reflections. I cannot suppose that any thing un- 

* This letter of Rufus King was written when he was United States sena- 
tor from the State of New York. It was undoubtedly in reference to subjects 
which have been referred to in previous letters as herein printed. Mr. King, 
was one of the ablest men and most distinguished statesman that this country 
ever produced. He was born in Scarborough, in the province of Maine, about 



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LETTER OF RUFUS KING. 1 79 

fair, or illiberal has been countenanced, or intended, in this 
quarter. Your conjectures of the real mover is very possi- 
bly correct. I well recollect the opinion of Mr. Scott 
and the information of Mr. Morrison; and without these, 
the affidavit lodged in the war office, if correct, leaves no 
doubt respecting the character of the person referred to. 

In respect to the nominations of the last session, I am 
doubtful whether Mr. Gaillard's opinion be correct. 

If my memory serves me well, Mr. J. Q. Adams was 

the middle of the eighteenth century, and removed to New- York City in 1778. 
He served several times as United States senator from the State of New 
York, and represented the country twice at the court of St. James. He was 
first appointed by Washington in 1789, and afterward by John Quincy Adams 
in 1825. He had two half-brothers, Cyrus and William King, eminent and 
distinguished men, both born in Scarboro'. Cyrus King represented Massa- 
chusetts twice in the lower house of Congress before the District of Maine 
was set off and made a separate state. He was an able lawyer and resided at 
Saco, Maine. William King was a merchant at Bath, Maine, and was the 
first governor of the State of Maine after the separation from Massachusetts. 
Richard King, the father of Rufus, Cyrus, and William King, married for his 
first wife a Miss Bragdon of York, Maine, who was the mother of Rufus King. 
The grandfather of Henry W. Longfellow, the poet, married the sister of 
Richard King's wife and was cousin german to Rufus King, a fact now known 
to but few people. The house in Scarboro' where these distinguished men 
were born has long since rotted down, and nothing but the cellar and a part 
of a chimney now mark the spot where it stood. Neither stone nor slab 
marks the last resting-place of Richard King, the father of three of the ablest 
and most prominent men of their time. Rufus King was the greatest man 
ever born in my native State of Maine. After him I place Sir William Pep- 
perell, but coming down to a later period, George Evans stood out intellectu- 
ally the equal, if not the superior, of either of them. All of the Kings 
belonged to the old federal party. Mr. Gaillard, whose opinion is spoken of, 
was a senator from South Carolina, and president pro tempore of the Senate. 
A lithograph of Mr. King's letter is given. 

This is the description given of this eminent man by Mr. Benton, in his 
"Thirty Years' View": "He was a high model of courtly refinement. He 
was attired in the Senate in full dress; short, small clothes, with stockings and 
shoes; and was habitually observant of all the courtesies of life. " 



8o 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



nominated Envoy to Russia; the Senate passed a resolu- 
tion that they did not think a mission to Russia expedient; 
and at the next session, without a new nomination, advised 
and consented to the appointment of Mr. Adams, who was 
commissioned, and proceeded to St. Petersburgh; but the 
journals will show what has been the usages of the Senate 
in these cases. 

I send you herewith, according to your request, the 
papers which were enclosed for my perusal, and with much 
respect, am, dear sir, 



Y'r mo. ob. serv't, 



Rufus King. 



Hon. N. Edwards. 



NOTE VERBALE OF MR. CRAWFORD.* 

Jan. 2, 1821. 

W. H. Crawford presents his respects to Governor 
Edwards and has the honor to state that the letter to the 
President, to which he refers, is not found in this office, 
and is presumed to be in the possession of the President. 
That Michael Jones was appointed on the 9th of April, 
1804. That Edward Humphrey was appointed on the 
26th of October, 1820. 

The Commissioner of the Gen'l. L. Office certifies that 
Pierre Menard, Michael Jones, Shadrach Bond, and Elias 
K. Kane are his securities, and that Judge Pope has certi- 
fied they are good for four times the amount of the 
penalty, which is $15,000. 

* This note vei'bale is in Mr. Crawford's own handwriting. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. l8l 

The papers relative to the case of Wilkins, Morrison 
and others, will be furnished as soon as the press of busi- 
ness now on hand is disposed of. 



LETTER OF SENATOR EDWARDS TO 
WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD * 

ii January, 182 1. 

Sir: — On yesterday I had the honor to receive the 
copies of papers in relation to the lease of the U. S. Saline 
to Taylor, Wilkins & Co., which you were good enough to 
inclose to to me, and also your letter of the 10 inst. 

Of the former, it was not my intention to have given 
you the trouble to send more than a copy of my letter to 
Col. Morrison (which I thought I might with propriety 
ask for in consequence of having inclosed it to you with 
a request that it should be returned) and a copy of the 
affidavit of Mr. Street, of which, however, I had received 
no information except what I got from yourself last spring. 

I am very sorry that my letter to yourself has been mis- 
laid, because I wanted it for a purpose directly opposite to 
that which you seem to suppose, and I am persuaded that 
with the explanations which were given in connection with 
the proposition referred to, it cannot be supposed that I 
wished "a transfer of the right of nomination, vested by 

* This letter of Mr. Edwards to William H. Crawford, who was then 
secretary of the treasury, appertains to the controversy growing out of nomi- 
nations for office in Illinois, and completely dissipates the idea that the senator 
had any purpose of intrenching upon the prerogatives of the president when 
he made his recommendations for office. Yet it will be seen that the discus- 
sion of the matter had excited much feeling on the part of Mr. Edwards. 



1 82 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the constitution in the President, to the Senators of the 
State.' 1 

If I recollect right, I called upon you and suggested 
the proposition as one that I thought calculated to give 
satisfaction, and I did believe from our conversation that 
you thought favorably of it, limited, however, by a just 
regard to the right of nomination vested in the President, 
which no one was more disposed to respect than myself, 
as was clearly to be inferred from my remarks, for upon 
your suggestion, such limitation so far from intimating a 
wish that the right of the President should be surrendered 
to the Senators, I expressly declared that I did not wish 
any one in relation to any recommendations of mine, to 
relinquish the right of making objections to any nomina- 
tion, and that I would not myself relinquish any such right 
in relation to nominations made upon the recommenda- 
tions of others. It was well understood, however, that 
two parties existed in Illinois. I presumed that the ad- 
ministration did not wish to identify itself with either, and 
knowing that unobjectionable and suitable characters could 
be selected from both sides for the offices in question, I 
did not doubt that the distribution which I proposed could 
be made without any violation of duty, or surrender of 
power on the part of the President, while it was the best 
calculated to allay jealousies and to give that general 
satisfaction which, next to a conscientious and independent 
discharge of his duties the history of his life proves has 
been and I am convinced still is the first object of his 
wishes. I had no doubt of his disposition to pursue such 
a course as far as he thought he could do it with propriety, 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 83 

and the object of my letter was not any limitation upon, 
or transfer of his power, but it was intended as a proposi- 
tion to my colleague for a voluntary and reciprocal limita- 
tion upon our respective rights of asking, or contending 
for more than an equal and just distribution of appoint- 
ments among the citizens of our State, which if it had 
been agreed to was calculated practically, to save the 
President much trouble, and some embarrassment. 

It was after conversing with you upon the subject that 
I addressed to you the letter referred to, and I was in- 
formed by the gentleman who delivered it that you spoke 
of my proposition as fair and reasonable. That it de- 
pended upon the assent of my colleague, and was intended 
if agreed to by him as a rule for ourselves, is further more 
clearly to be inferred from the circumstance of your wait- 
ing for his answer upon the subject at the capital, which 
you will doubtless recollect that you yourself communi- 
cated to the representative and myself in order to enable 
us to regulate our conduct accordingly, and you were 
obliging enough to wait some time for our recommenda- 
tions. 

So far from intending to propose that the President 
should "transfer the right of nomination to the Senators 
of the State," I never intended to propose that he should 
confine his nominations exclusively to their separate or 
united recommendations. 

But declaring explicitly in my letter to you "that I 
would scorn to embarrass the President in the least with 
any application for myself or any relative whatever." 
I suggested "that I felt myself in duty and in honor 



1 84 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

bound, with all due respect to put in a claim on be- 
half of the State only, to that consideration that was due 
to one of its representatives," and I was anxious to evince 
to the President that in no other character did I seek any- 
thing, and that in that one I was disposed to be content 
with a bare equality in that confidence which he usually 
reposed in, and that respect which he usually paid to the 
recommendations of members of Congress for appoint- 
ments in their own States. I conscientiously believed that 
policy as well as justice required such a distribution as I 
suggested, and my conduct in that respect while Gov. of 
the Territory is a sufficient pledge that had the distribu- 
tion been left to me exclusively my opponents would have 
had no cause to complain. 

My object was to ask for nothing more than was fair and 
just, and to give the President as little trouble and diffi- 
culty as possible, and I feel a proud consciousness that I 
have never asked him any thing which would have been 
improper in him to grant, or in me to ask. Nor can the 
particular ground of my objection to a recent nomination 
be considered as imparting any blame to him since I have 
explicitly declared, as I do verily believe, that if he had 
known the facts which I have stated to the Senate he 
would not have conferred the recess appointment upon 
Mr. Humphrey, whose conduct presents a fair parallel to 
that of the Postmaster in Delaware, about whose case I 
heard but one opinion expressed last winter. 

The cause of my writing for a copy of my letter to you 
was a desire to correct an impression which I found to 
prevail, and which I conceive to be erroneous. 



LETTER OF WM. WIRT. l8$ 

I beg leave to request that this letter may be submitted 
to the inspection of the President, upon whose mind I 
have reason to believe erroneous impressions have been 
made in relation to my opposition to the recent nomina- 
tion above referred to. Y'rs, N. EDWARDS. 

To Wm. H. Crawford. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM WIRT.* 

Washington, Jan. 15, 1821. 
My Dear FRIEND: — Your letter of yesterday's date 
was handed in, last night, and I read it with the most 
intense interest. (I am inexpressibly distressed by the 

* William Wirt was the attorney-general of the United States during both 
terms of Mr. Monroe's administration, and the one term of the administration 
of John Quincy Adams. Mr. Wirt was a little more than two years older 
than Mr. Edwards, but they practically commenced life together when they 
were boys, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Mr. Wirt had been the tutor 
of Mr. Edwards in the family of his father, Hon. Benjamin Edwards, who 
had been a representative in Congress from Maryland in 1795. During this 
term of service, of twenty months, relations of friendship were entered into 
by the family and Mr. Wirt, which ever after existed " without change or 
shadow of turning." The friendship between young Edwards and young 
Wirt was that of the most devoted brothers, while for the elder Edwards, Mr. 
Wirt's deep affection for him continued until he died, in Todd County, Ken- 
tucky, November 13th, 1826. 

Hon. Ninian Wirt Edwards, in his " History of Illinois and Life of Ninian 
Edwards", publishes many letters addressed by Mr. Wirt to his grandfather, 
Benjamin Edwards, and his father, Ninian Edwards. These letters constitute 
an epistolary correspondence which must excite the deepest admiration of 
every one that reads it. Here Mr. Wirt shows what he really was — one 
of the most charming, one of the most delightful and interesting men that 
ever lived. When we read these letters, in those days of long distances and 
slow and irregular mails, as compared with the hurly-burly of the present 
time, when letters are transported so rapidly by railroad and with information 
transmitted by telegraph, who will not now say that the art of letter-writing 
is a lost art. 



1 86 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

occurrences to which you allude and the pain they give 
you. But this is unavailing. What can I do?) You may 
remember that when I saw you at the capitol (the only 
time that I have been there since the session commenced 
and where I would not then have gone but for my affec- 
tion for you), I told you that the President, knowing the 
long standing friendship between us, was desirous that 
I should see you, and if I concurred in the opinions of 
the relations between the President and Senate which 
he stated, and in which' I did concur, that I would give 
you my impressions. He talked to me of you with 
the utmost feeling and with the most earnest and warm 
personal regard; but he thought that you did not view 
the subject of these nominations in a correct light (and 
from what he had heard, that you were taking ground 
which could not fail to impair your own dignity and 
to present him, in a degraded light, before the nation, 
as being influenced in his nominations, by looking to the 
internal parties in the State of Illinois, and holding the 
balance of power between the hostile, or at least opposing 
Senators, from that State, in relation to those parties). In 
order to give me a clearer view of the grounds you had 
taken, he placed in my hands your several letters to him, 
and these I held when I saw you in the Senate Chamber. 
I had not, then, rec'd your letter containing a duplicate of 
your remonstrance to him, but rec'd it, on the same day, 
and after you had joined me, here. I have held both 
those papers ever since. (When you called for your copy, 
I could not think of returning it without giving you my 
view of the grounds you had taken, as well as a reply to 



LETTER OF WM. WIRT. 1 87 

some observations in your private letter to me. Reflecting, 
however, on the irritated state of your feelings and the 
office which I hold, I was not sure that a paper, in which I 
differed with you in opinion, on every point, would be rec'd 
with the same kindness from which it flowed and the same 
with which I knew it would be rec'd by yourself, at a 
calmer moment. That moment, however, I, now, fear, will 
not come during this session, and I have determined to 
confide in your candor and friendship by sending it). 

You surely do not understand the Pt. as having any 
manner of objection to the free exercise of your sena- 
torial right and duty, to object to any nomination which 
you disapprove. If you do, be assured that you misunder- 
stand him. I am persuaded that such is not his notion of 
things; and if it were, that notion would not find an advo- 
cate in me. No — it is not the fact of opposition — -but the 
grounds on which he understood you to place it before the 
Senate, and then on which you place it in your letter to 
him, that he thinks incorrect. (He thinks it wrong that a 
Pt. of the U. S. should permit himself to be influenced by 
considerations of local parties in a State, and that he sh'd 
nominate with reference to the local effect on the respec- 
tive Senators in their States. For my own part I sh'd 
consider it a species of bribery — it would be paying them 
for their support, not indeed in money, but in local power 
and influence). I am confident that no such considerations 
have entered into the Pt.'s mind in favor either of the one 
side or of the other, but that his nominations have been 
made on entirely distinct considerations, on his conviction 
of the superior claims of the person put in nomination; 



1 88 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

in this conviction he may be misled by the evidence on 
which he acts, but that he decides without the smallest 
regard to the effect on the respective Senators in the State 
(as I think he is bound by his duty to do) I have not the 
least doubt. (If his nominations have an ill effect on you 
in Illinois, it is one of those sinister consequences of act- 
ing from correct motives, which we have frequently to 
lament, but which will not justify us in changing the 
motive of action, from a correct to an incorrect one. But 
I cannot conceive that this ill effect on your standing in 
the State can follow). The people of the State will know 
the fitness or unfitness of the characters appointed ; and if 
unfit I should suppose that the censure would fall on those 
who recommended, not on those who opposed the appoint- 
ment. But as I have considered this whole subject in the 
long letter I am about to send you, I will say no more. 

You will pronounce me, I suspect, a closeted lawyer, 
without the tact of the practised politician from these re- 
marks — but, my friend, there are radical principles from 
which I think that even the practised politician would find 
it unsafe to part. I allow much to the politician's observa- 
tion of human nature, in adapting his measures to a given 
effect; but I am old-fashioned enough (or, if you please, 
unpractised enough) to think that even the most successful 
politician, may buy his triumphs too dear. The transcient 
success of a few years is but a feather in the balance 
against those cardinal principles that are calculated to 
live on the page of history. The local parties, in which 
you appear to have lived, have kept you in a constant state 
of partisan warfare — which, of all conditions of human life, 



LETTER OF WM. WIRT. 1 89 

is best calculated to sharpen the observation of character, 
to whet the sagacity in the detection of hostile move- 
ments, even at a distance, and to fructify the invention 
in the adoption of countervailing manoeuvres. But when 
a man rises, as you have risen, above the horizon of this 
petty warfare, he ought to forget all local feuds, as he 
would the adventures of his cradle — and, fixing his eye 
on a higher destination, to make a conciliating bow to 
those who are observing his ascent. This (as I heard 
on every hand, last winter,) was your condition — I am 
sure that you have the talents to make it' your condi- 
tion — and the address, too, without the sacrafice of per- 
sonal or official dignity, to make those minister to your dis- 
tinction who may be now opposing it. Enough! You 
limited 'me to a few lines — but I cannot, on such occa- 
sion, write a few lines, only — I regard you as a brother, 
for your own sake, as well as that of your dear father and 
mother — and it will be a balsam to me, if I can be instru- 
mental in calming your mind — a triumph, if I can raise 
your enterprise, to convert your opposers, into instruments 
of your higher elevation — bestow an hour's thought on 
this latter view of the subject — and when I see T. and his 
party playing into your hand (a consummation not beyond 
your powers, if you chose to exert them,) I shall admit 
your practicability, and rejoice and exult in the success of 
your address — Wild! you w r ill say — but I suspect that 
there are men now living and honorable men, who would 
not think it wild. Your friend and brother, 

Wm. Wirt. 

N. Edwards, Esq. 



190 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF THOMAS REYNOLDS, JR.* 

EDWARDSVILLE, the 6th Feb., 1822. 

Dear SIR: — There has been and is a great fuss here 
about the office of Governor here. Edward Coles, Joseph 
Philips, and J. B. Moore appear to be the only candidates 
at present spoken of; if no other should offer there is no 
doubt but Phillips will be elected. My brother has been 
spoken of, but at present he has declared and says that he 
will not offer. You have been spoken of, and of late I have 
heard that if you were elected you would serve as it is a 
great distance from there to the City of Washington for 
you to travel as you are not well and have a great deal of 
business to attend to at home, which is not seen to when 
you are from home. 

If you would accept of the office of Governor and make 
it known in time there is no doubt but you would be 
elected with ease. Tho' there is no doubt but there is 
some electioneering tale or other will start against you or 
any other person that will offer, tho' that will all amount to 
but little or perhaps help the cause or help your election,, 
as it is well known by the old citizens of this State that 
you done a great deal for it when it wanted help or when 
it was a Territory. 

If you conclude to offer or accept of the office you had 
better let it be known in time. 

* Thomas Reynolds was a brother of Governor John Reynolds of this 
State. It is interesting as showing the political condition of things in Illinois 
in 1822, and prior to the election of Edward Coles as governor, in August of 
that year. The letter is badly written, and shows that the writer had but a 
limited education. Thomas Reynolds was the clerk of the first and second 
House of Representatives in this State. He removed to Missouri in 1828;, 
and in 1840 was elected governor of the State. 



LETTER OF THOMAS REYNOLDS, JR. 191 

It is well known that you have certain enemies and 
offer for what you may they will be against you tho' for- 
tunately they can not do much at present. 

I have purchased a piece of land that was nothing done 
with it in time agreeable to law which lies in St. Clair 
County; and was entered in the Kaskaskia Land Office. 
I wished to forfeit some I have in the Edwardsville Land 
Office that I have already taken the long instalments tho' 
I have but little hopes of being permitted to do this, tho' 
I have no doubt but further time will be given to those 
that did not come in due time and relinquish or take the 
longer credit as the time was too short from the time the 
Land Offices received their forms to the time limited by 
law was out that people at a distance could not come in 
due time. You will please to inform me on this subject 
soon, as I wish to know what to depend upon as respects 
my land. I am, sir, with great respect, 

Your most ob't and hum. serv't, &c, 

Thomas Reynolds, Jr. 
The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Senator in Congress, 

Washington City. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Letter of Gov. Edwards; it is not known to whom addressed; un- 
doubtedly to some prominent politician in the State; high com- 
pliment paid to Judge Lockwood; letter of John Reynolds in 
regard to senatorial election; Kitchell, McLean, Bond, and Kane 
all for Thomas; wants appointments to the land-offices hastened; 
disappointed people will kick up; some members want Lockwood 
to offer; thinks he can himself succeed if election is delayed; 
wants to know who are in the market for land-offices; letter of 
President Monroe in regard to land-offices at Springfield; letter 
of Samuel L. Southard of New Jersey, secretary of the navy 
under Mr. Adams, governor of New Jersey, and U. S. senator; 
letter of John Pope, gives advice about farms and about settling 
down; letter of John C. Calhoun; writes of his presidential 
prospects; high compliment to Gov. Edwards; his capacity, 
integrity, and firmness; letter of James Latham; name of 
Springfield, 111., changed to Calhoun; Mr. Latham wants an 
Indian agency; letter of Duff Green; he married the sister of 
Gov. Edwards; wants a mail contract in Missouri; letter of 
Salomon P. Sharpe of Kentucky; writes of national and state 
politics. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS.* 

Edwardsville, Sept. 17, 1822. 
Dear Sir: — I should have answered your letter sooner, 
but I was not satisfied with its contents, and declined 
writing lest I might write something that would have 

* This is a copy of a letter of Gov. Edwards, all in his own handwriting, 
but the address is not found on the letter. It was undoubtedly written to some 
prominent politician in the State, possibly Gov. Bond. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 193 

interrupted that good understanding which I have always 
most sincerely wished to subsist between us. I know not 
what I shall now write, but whatever it may be, it shall be 
in a spirit of friendship. This I premise, with the hope 
that it may prevent misconstruction. Any man who is so 
plain as you are with his friends, ought not to object to 
equal frankness on their part. Yet, because I am un- 
willing to afford the slightest grounds for offence, I shall 
omit much that I would wish to say, if I were sure it 
would be received with that kindness and candor which I 
am both disposed to cherish and practise. 

I have long thought you disposed to require rather tdo 
much from your friends, and though I. have always been 
willing to do more than my part, where it seemed to be 
required of me merely because my friends have thought I 
could, from some cause or other, do it better, yet, there is 
nothing that I can conceive of more disagreeable to me, 
than the idea of any man's requiring me to do any thing 
which he would not be equally ready to perform under 
similar circumstances. The unavoidable implications in 
such cases are of the most humiliating kind. I may have 
been mistaken, but this, I have often sincerely thought to 
be the case, as between you and myself, and that I haVe 
not manifested the discontent it has some times created 
is the very best proof of the sacrifices I have been dis- 
posed to make to preserve our friendship. I have endeav- 
ored to reconcile myself to such cases partly by referring 
them to a peculiarity in your manner which may some- 
times seem to require more than is intended; partly to a 
kind of half-indulged belief that you have overrated my 



194 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

capacity to act with effect; but principally from a disposi- 
tion (which I always cherish, when deliberate), to make 
greater allowances *for others than I would insist upon for 
myself. 

The principle you assume as an objection to my declin- 
ing another election for the Senate I really think is not 
founded in justice, and would render me the slave, instead 
of the ''head of a party." No man is more ready, than I 
am, to acknowledge the obligations he owes his friends, 
none, I hope, is more willing to reciprocate them. But as 
a party, in which light you consider them, in your letter, 
I am yet to be convinced that the balance of obligation is 
against me. Whatever may be the fact, my own opinion 
is that, I have made more personal enemies, and involved 
myself in greater difficulties by the zeal with which I have 
supported my friends, than from any other cause what- 
ever, and that my friends have never encountered as much 
on my account. I have not only had to defend my own 
official conduct, but have never been backward in defend- 
ing them, and the unavoidable expenses for the support of 
the party have been almost exclusively borne by myself, 
while on the other hand, none of those friends have ever, 
to my knowledge, written a line in my favor; a consider- 
able part of them have shrunk from my support to avoid 
the imputation of being under my influence, and some of 
them have thrown themselves into the scale against me, in 
a manner wholly unnecessary, and which, I am sure, had 
they been in my situation, they would have considered 
very unkind, at least. 

Had I been governed by considerations less disinter- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 95 

ested, or merely personal to myself I should have acted 
very differently from what I have done; I should have 
confined myself to as correct a discharge of my various 
duties as possible, and have relied on my ability to satisfy 
the people with my own conduct without interfering with 
the concerns of others, placing as I always have done my 
main dependence upon the people, and pursuing such a 
course, I should have stood in no great need of the sup- 
port' of any party, and I have no doubt I might have 
succeeded with less difficulty and more popularity. But 
there are, I think, but, few men that have dreaded less, 
the consequences of supporting their friends, or that have 
been less disposed to adopt a calculating neutrality in such 
cases than myself. If then a party has existed, I can not 
believe that its object has been so exclusively personal to 
myself, as to forbid my withdrawing from my present 
station whenever my interest requires it, or my inclina- 
tion leads me to do so. So far as to the party. Now, 
as to the individuals that compose it. Where is the man 
among them, that has any reason to apprehend "the 
resentment of enemies raised up to him in consequence 
of supporting me?" Who has done, or risqued more for 
me, than I have done or risqued for him? Who among 
that discription of persons alluded to can justly say that, 
as between him and myself, the balance of obligation is 
against me? If there be any such they may be assured 
that I feel more pleasure in discharging than receiving an 
obligation of that nature. Those, however, who can not 
fairly make such a pretension surely, have no well-founded 
claim upon me like that which you seem to insist upon. 



1 96 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

There is nothing that I should be more reluctant to do, 
than to remind any man of acts of friendship, that I 
might have rendered him, for the purpose of establish- 
ing any claim upon him. The bare mention of an obliga- 
tion for such purposes, is enough to cancel it altogether. 
It is, however, I think, perfectly fair to do so, for the pur- 
pose of off-setting a demand upon myself. There may 
be others who think as you do, but you are the only per- 
son who to myself has ever seemed to insist upon the 
abiding, and from the nature of them, never-to-be dis- 
charged, and never-ending obligations, mentioned in your 
letter. I say never- to-be discharged, and never-ending 
obligations, because so long as I continue in public life, 
and have any friends to support me, who by possibility 
may make themselves enemies thereby, according to your 
view of the subject, as I understand it, I can never retire 
without subjecting myself to the charge of improperly 
41 deserting my friends" — a charge of which I should be 
sorry to be guilty, and with which, it is extremely un- 
pleasant to me, to be accused. I should not have dwelt 
upon it, at present, if it had only been mentioned, for the 
first time, in your letter to which this is a reply. But you 
have heretofore insisted upon it, when, though I then 
thought of it as I now do, I yielded to a spirit of for- 
bearance in not manifesting my objections to it, and in 
repressing the unpleasant feelings it excited. 

You are not apprised and probably never will be, of 
some proofs of self-denial, and disinterested friendship on 
my part towards you, which I could refer to. But with 
what you do know, I can not but think you must greatly 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 97 

overrate your own services, or undervalue mine, to suppose 
me to be largely your debtor in acts of friendship, support, 
or any thing of the kind alluded to, in your letter. I have 
never doubted, nor do I doubt your friendly disposition 
towards me, though it must be acknowledged that you 
have pretty generally left me to shift for myself, probably 
because you thought me able enough to do so. 

At the same time that you magnify my obligations to 
the party, you evidently seem to forget your own. If it 
has done as much for you as for myself the degree of 
obligation would be precisely the same upon both of us. 
It supported us both in our respective offices under the 
general Govt. It elected us both to Congress. You had 
its support in obtaining the most honorable and dignified 
station in the State which you now hold and the obtain- 
ment of which, I know, was not so much a matter of 
course as you probably imagine. No man therefore is 
under greater obligations to the party than yourself, and 
while you insist that those who have supported me have 
made themselves enemies thereby, you have no reason to 
take it for granted that the same consequences have not 
resulted from the support of yourself. And if such a con- 
sideration justifies the claim upon me, which you mention, 
how can you exempt yourself from a similar one? Sup- 
pose there be any difference in the obligations upon us; it 
must be a difference not in their nature, but in degree, for 
here I speak only of obligations to support and assist the 
party without reference to any particular station or service. 
If I owe the greater obligation, next to myself the party has 
greater claims to your support and assistance than those 



198 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

of any other man in the State; yet if I understood you 
correctly on a former occasion you seemed to think you 
ought to take no part in any of its contests in consequence 
of the station you hold. But if you could thus retire, with 
propriety, from your obligations, how can you insist that I 
ought not to do the same thing? Have I done less? Have 
I paid less? Have I sacrificed less? Have I encountered 
less vituperation and reproach for the party, or obtained 
more from it without equivalent, than yourself? Surely 
not. You compliment me with being "the acknowledged 
head of the party." That this may be an honorable dis- 
tinction I will not pretend to deny, but if it be one that I 
am entitled to, most freely would I surrender it to any 
other person, rather than retain it upon the terms on which 
I may have acquired it. If to pay, to do, and to suffer 
vastly more than any thing like a due or just proportion 
can confer that distinction 1 know I am entitled to it. 
But as to my wishes, plans, or opinions, they seem to 
be as little consulted, and to meet as little deference as 
those of any other man. I can find measures decided 
upon, arrangements made, or my friends committed in 
the most important cases without my ever being con- 
sulted. And yet it seems to be considered, as a matter 
of course that I should support those measures, and 
having the character of being the head of the party, 
that I should, as such, take upon myself all the conse- 
quences of possible defeat. In relation to yourself it is 
still worse; you commit yourself with a determination to 
take no active part, and with a seeming claim upon me, or 
expection, at least, that I should do so; our relation to 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 1 99 

each other as personal and political friends and your high 
standing and influence produce a similar belief in others, 
and thus do I find myself constrained to disappoint their 
expectations and incur their displeasure, or yield, without 
regard to the dictates of my own interest or judgment. 
This would seem to have the effect of transferring me to a 
service, which you yourself think proper to decline, and 
this is what my pride cannot yield to under any possible 
distinction in our cases, or situations. I have no right to 
object, nor would I do so, to your committing yourself to 
whom, and on what occasion you please, provided it should 
not implicate me, without my previous consent. Last year 
when I returned from Congress you were committed as to 
the Gov'r election. I had never been consulted on the 
subject, and yet, I understood you were dissatisfied with 
me, for declaring that I would, not concern in that elec- 
tion, to which determination I was influenced by the dic- 
tates of my best judgment. 

In your last letter you disclose your plans relative to 
the ensuing Senatorial election, and really seem to re- 
proach me in pretty strong terms, for not making the 
•objections contained in my letter, to the course that had 
been pursued sooner, when I never had been consulted 
upon the subject, could not have anticipated such a course, 
and made my objections to it, on the very first moment 
that I was informed of it. True, as you say, it was too 
late; but surely that was no fault of mine. 

You say, "you distinctly committed yourself to Reyn- 
olds." Ought not your friends to have been consulted, 
unless you were prepared to separate from them ? or 



200 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

considered them under obligations to co-operate with 
you without any reference to their own predelictions, 
preferences, and opinions? But what are the palpable 
inferences of your committing yourself if you mean to 
take no part? Whatever they may be, I have no right 
to object unless they are such as to authorize an expec- 
tation that I would do what you decline, or are calcu- 
lated to place me in an unpleasant predicament for not 
doing so. But if such is the tendency, or if your act is 
to be considered as committing me in the least either as 
an individual, or a member, much less, the "acknowledged 
head of a party," then I must be permitted to say, that, I 
think, I ought to have been previously consulted. No one 
man ought to attempt to make so important a selection 
for a whole party. If you ever consulted any of those who 
are esteemed the heads of the party I am not apprised of 
it. Thus to make a selection, and determine upon a plan 
of operations, with the intention to transfer its execution 
to myself and others, would seem to me to be inconsistent 
with any thing less than a spirit of dictation, and assumed 
superiority. Such a course of things, besides having the 
appearance of rendering others the instruments of execut- 
ing your will (theirs not having been previously ascer- 
tained), is calculated to make the person supported in all 
such cases feel his principal obligations to you, while the 
drudgery, the labor, the expense, the real service is to be 
rendered by others, and thus might you profit more than 
any other man, or as much at least, by the success of the 
party, without any thing like a just, equal, and propor- 
tionate participation in its trials, expenses, labors, and 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 201 

difficulties. Though you may not agree with me in this 
view of the subject, you may probably see in it as much 
reason, as there is in your censuring me, and that a little 
too harshly, for not trying to prevent what I did not even 
anticipate, and what I should have disapproved had I been 
consulted, that is, both your committing yourself without 
previous concert with your friends, and the subsequent 
measures that were adopted, as stated in my former letter. 
I do not think it was right, after the conversation that 
passed between us last fall on my way to Congress rela- 
tive to a gentleman in Shawnee Town, that, you should 
have "proposed to Mr. Lockwood to apply for the office,'' 
mentioned in your letter without affording me an opportu- 
nity previously of stating to you how far I could co- 
operate, especially as reference seems to be made to me 
for assistance. But without referring to the case alluded 
to, a moment's reflection might have suggested the prob- 
able presumption that, with the multitude of applications 
that must have been made to me in the last three years I 
could not have remained to this time altogether uncom- 
mitted, and of course, that your proposition might be 
somewhat embarrassing to me. Mr. Lockwood doubtless 
considers it it a strong proof of your friendship. He may 
consider mine less warm and sincere, since, notwith- 
standing his great merits, backed by your solicitation I 
can not support him, and hence he may infer that I am 
not disposed to do as much for him, as you would do in 
a similar situation. To a man whom I esteem so highly, 
and sincerely, it is painful to me to have the necessity of 
making an apology for not being able to gratify his wishes 



202 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

imposed upon me, and as he has said nothing to me, so I 
have said nothing to him upon the subject. 

Directly as you question my veracity as to the reasons I 
have assigned for declining a re-election to the Senate, I 
take it in no unfriendly part, for I cannot suppose offence 
was intended. I am not sure however that any thing of 
the kind w r ould be received by you with the same allow- 
ance, and no man ought to use a freedom towards another 
that he would not be equally willing to receive himself. 

Positively as you state "your knowledge that I like my 
present station" notwithstanding I have repeatedly assured 
you to the contrary, I have it in my power to give you un- 
unequivocal proofs that you have been and are still greatly 
mistaken. Among them, I might refer to earnest efforts 
on my part, at a time when I did not think myself well 
treated, to prevail upon a citizen of this State to consent 
to take the station, with a pledge of my utmost exertions 
to procure it for him. To have overcome feelings which 
induced me, most deliberately, to adopt such a measure, is 
proof of my yielding disposition, and of the readiness with 
which I forget and forgive what I may consider, perhaps 
erroneously, just causes of dissatisfaction. The truth is 
that, distracted as my mind has been with my private 
affairs, tormented with bodily afflictions and infirmities, 
and sensible that I have lost much of my mental ener- 
gies, perhaps on those accounts, my situation has been 
truly irksome to me, and nothing but importunities that I 
did not feel myself at liberty to disregard, could have in- 
duced me to retain it as long as I have done. 

"You can not imagine that, I can now make any sacri- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 203 

fices by going to Congress," and yet, I hardly suppose it 
would be difficult for you to convince yourself, that, if you 
were to go, you would not, from a consequent inability to 
attend to your private affairs, have to encounter pretty 
considerable sacrifices, how much more so must it not be 
in my case with an unproductive and burthensome prop- 
erty, scattered through different states, a considerable 
amount of debts to collect, many of them in danger of 
being lost, a family requiring the more particular attention 
in consequence of the ages of some of my children, and 
no certain income to live upon, without constantly absorb- 
ing a part of my capital. I, at least, am perfectly con- 
vinced upon the subject, and my determination is unalter- 
able, though I shall greatly regret it if in the execution of 
that determination, any friend that I have in the world, 
should think he had just cause of reproach to me. None 
can think so without assuming the ground that every thing 
had been done for me, and that I had failed to act well 
my part, or to render such an equivalent as a due regard 
to a just reciprocity required. None ought to complain 
who cannot fairly maintain such assumptions. Though I 
have long been disciplined into as much indifference as 
any man in the world can feel. * * * * 

N. Edwards. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 

Vandalia, 8 Dec, 1822. 
My FRIEND: — We are now in a turmoil concerning the 
Senatorial Election. Judge Thomas has his friends from 
all parts urging his pretentions — Kitchell, McLean, Bond, 



204 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Kane, &c, are his night supporters.* I think without 
boasting that we will succeed. The election will.be de- 
layed, I think, until spring. ■ I can keep it off in the 
Senate. Now, on this plan, I want you to co-operate in 
hastening the appointments of the land offices, so that our 
fellow citizens may not many of them be deceived. The 
disappointed people will kick tip. Kinney wants the con- 
tract; he is alive on this head. A line to him would fix 
him. He leans for Thomas. White, you know his situa- 
tion. This is a delicate matter, treat it as you please. 
Some members want Lockwood to offer. If we are all 
reconciled, Thomas goes out. Judge Pope is among us. 
I have powerful friends here in and out of the Legislature. 
I must succeed if the election be delayed. I want to har- 
monise with Lockwood and his friends. I have told them 
to run the strongest man. I want you for the good of the 
cause to urge, by all means, the filling of the offices. 
Kinney and White are in your care likewise. I want 
to unite so we may succeed. Please write me of facts 
as to who are in the market for land offices. This I can 
handle to advantage. Please shew this to Judge Cook. 
Your family was well the other day. I am now anxious to 
beat. Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 

* The struggle for the election for senator in place of Jesse B. Thomas, 
whose term expired March 4, 1823, had commenced at Vandalia when this 
letter was written. Thomas was the leading candidate, as may be implied from 
this letter; but it is evident that the "Old Ranger" had an eye to the wind- 
ward, and had great hopes of success if the election could be delayed. The 
election came off January 9, 1823, and Jesse B. Thomas received twenty-nine 
votes; John Reynolds sixteen votes; Leonard White six votes; and Samuel D. 
Lockwood two votes. Thomas' majority over all the candidates was six votes. 



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LETTER OF JAMES MONROE. 205 

P. S. — A letter from Calhoun to Kinney would do. 
The Hon. N. Edwards, 

Senator in Cong, from Illinois, 

Washington. 



LETTER OF JAMES MONROE." 
[confidential.] 

Jan'y 23, 1823. 
DEAR SIR: — On further consideration, I think that it 
will be best, to withdraw the nomination of Mr. Cox and 
Mr. Enos, and to change the order for that first proposed 
by you, by nominating Col. Cox as Register, and Mr. Enos 
as the Receiver. Should the nominations be taken up be 
so kind as to have them postponed for this purpose, tho' it 
will be better to say nothing as to the motive. 

Very sincerely yours, 

James Monroe. 
Governor Edwards, of the Senate. 



LETTER OF SAMUEL L. SOUTHARD.f 
My Dear Sir: — I was extremely gratified by the re- 
ceipt of your letter, not because you had a visit from your 
old friend, the gout, nor your new one, fever and ague. I 
would not wish my worst enemy either frequently or long 

* This letter of President Monroe, which is lithographed, shows his per- 
sonal attention to appointments. Colonel Cox and Mr. Enos were the first 
United States land officers at Springfield. 

t At this time Mr. Southard had just retired from the United States Senate 
as a senator from the State of New Jersey, where he had been the colleague 



206 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

continued visits from either of them, much less would I 
rejoice at your being persecuted by them, but I was glad 
to hear from you and to know that neither of them alone, 
nor both united, could dispirit you, nor make you indif- 
ferent to passing events. I had heard the rumor you men- 
tion about N. York, but I do not dread the effort there, it 
will not. for the present, be successful. At least Thompson 
can, if he will, prevent it. It is too late to put any ma- 
chinery in motion here, to operate there in time. All that 
can be done, is a short article or two in our leading papers, 
which, I am told, will appear immediately. The symptoms 
in Virginia are very strong and will grow stronger. I know 
that State. It is misunderstood and misrepresented and 
the friends of a certain man will find it so. 

I look, with some curiosity, for A. B. He is a trouble- 
some fellow. I wish we could find him out. I would write 
more, but am pressed for time. Write frequently; I shall 
be pleased to hear often and freely. 

Yours, &c, &c, 

Sam'l L. Southard. 
Trenton, 26 March, 1823. 

I have blurred the other side of this paper; have not 
time to copy; therefore send you half a sheet.. 

Hon. N. Edwards. 



of Governor Edwards. He was the secretary of the navy for a short time- 
under Mr. Monroe, and during the whole of the term of Mr. Adams. He 
was governor of New Jersey in 1832, and was again elected United States 
senator, serving from December 2d, 1833, to May 3, 1842, when he resigned. 
He was a whig in politics, and his political career was a long and distin- 
guished one. 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 



207 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 

Springfield, Aug'st 30th, 1823. 
Dear Sir: — I received a letter from you about two 
weeks since apprising me of your intended visit to 
Tennessee and of your probable return to Russellville 
about this time. I have endeavored to procure United 
States money to the am't of 50 dollars, the sum you left 
with me, but could not procure it here, nor can I until I go 
to Louisville, about the 15th next month. I could only 
obtain one five-dollar note. That and the balance in silver 
I would have sent to Presley, for you, if an opportunity 
had occurred. By Mr. Wm. Hundley, who goes to his 
brother John, in Trigg County, the 20th of September, I 
will send it to your brother Presley, unless you direct it to 
be lodged in the U. S. Branch Bank at Louisville. On 
the other subject you mentioned of change of residence 
and the purchase of an improved farm, I can give you 
wholesome advice whether I follow it myself or not. Fre- 
quent removals if they produce no other bad effect tend 
to render a man restless and unhappy, lessens our stability 
of character, relaxes those social ties and principles which 
bind us to society and are the chief source of human 
felecity and repose. It is difficult to settle down after a 
wandering, rambling life without visitations of hippo. I 
cannot disapprove of removal to an elder and more settled 
and regulated state of society; a man of fortune should 
never anchor himself in a new unsettled state of things; a 
new country filled from every quarter of the globe and per- 
petually changing will not for half a century acquire a stable 
character nor will the social state acquire that firm healthy 



208 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

basis and regularity essential to social order and comfort. 
Make up your mind to anchor yourself somewhere and 
make up your mind to rest. There are many fine, well- 
improved farms in Kentucky, in good neighborhoods, to 
be had on good terms and long credit, but few such to 
be exchanged for out lands. They are generally mort- 
gaged or the property of the banks. The late residence 
of Mr. John Reed, whose daughter Cyrus married, is to be 
sold under mortgage to Mr. Nelson in a few weeks, noo 
acres, highly improved, good water, fruit, and adjoining 
the town of Springfield, on two years' credit, for specie — 
a very desirable place. The former residence of Judge 
Tunis, now the property of the Rev'd Jacob Breath, is for 
sale on good terms on long credit. The late residence of 
John Marshall and Humphrey Marshall, one mile east of 
Frankfort, adjoining the farm of Tibath Talbott, on the 
south, about 700 acres, the greater part of the first quality, 
the property of the Bank of U. S., or of the Bank of 
Kentucky; a few months ago, perhaps, released, and 
again the property of Marshall, is, I expect for sale. 
With Talbott you can't contract; he is not in debt, and 
a hard hand. Don't stand upon a small sum if you wish 
to settle for life. Choose your ground and purchase with- 
out too much regard to price. Some of the finest farms 
in the neighborhood of Louisville are substantially the 
property of the banks and can be had on long credit on 
good terms. Please your fancy and judgment without 
being too anxious to get a great bargain — rather make 
a sacrifice to suit yourself. The seat of government will 
not be changed in any short period, if ever, and if you 



LETTER OF JOHN POPE. 209 

settle near it, and I should be governor next year, as I 
expect, you may possibly be made judge of the Court of 
Appeals, which will give you good employment and a 
good annuity for life, and you will, I think, be happy 
and contented. You are now the father of a large family, 
I believe, and rather too unwieldy for the turbulent and 
troubled sea of politics — otium cum dignitate should be 
your end and aim. You must attend to my precepts and 
not my example, because I know my precept right and 
that in practice I am a bad model to follow. I am in 
earnest when I tell you that I expect to be the next 
governor. Mention it in the State of Green river and 
see how it takes. I shall either do that or make an 
effort for the Senate of the U. S. I can't give up the 
ship. I have been so long embargoed that I can't be 
reconciled to land until I make another voyage. Nat. 
Pope is in Jefferson and will be here in a week or two, 
and I could wish most sincerely that you could extend 
and prolong your journey. You will find your advantage 
in it if you have made up your mind to return. I am sur- 
prised that you think of Missouri. It seems to me the 
least desirable of any part of the Western world. I must 
stop my pen or I shall protract this epistle to a most un- 
reasonable length. Your friend and relative, 

J. Pope. 
The Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Washington City. 



2IO THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF JOHN C. CALHOUN .* 

Washington, 23d Sept., 1823. 

My Dear Sir: — I have been much pleased with Gen'I 
Green. He is intelligent and decisive; and must in time 
become important in the West. I have conversed with 
him freely, and he can give you full information of the 
state of things in this quarter. Great changes have taken 
place. I now consider my prospect at least equal to any 
other in New York. In fact I feel confident that it is 
much the best. In Pennsylvania, I hold my own. Jackson 
and myself divide the State. In New Jersey I am at least 
as strong as Adams. There is no other interest there. In 
New England a strange state of things exists. Tho" 
Adams is the strongest, there is a strong feeling that 
his position there is not a firm one. North Carolina has 
begun the contest at last. Of 12 papers in that State six 
are for me, two for C — d, one for Adams, but preferring 
me to C — d, another for him, but not decided between 
C — d and myself, another against C— d, but not decided 
between A. and myself; and another not yet out. My 
friends all say that I will certainly take the State. 

I enclose you the last F. G. and two of the last North 
Carolina papers. 

I hope you will not think of retiring. Your efforts in 

* Mr. Calhoun was at this time secretary of war in Mr. Monroe's cabinet. 
He was then a candidate for president to succeed Mr. Monroe. He was on 
the most friendly terms with Gov. Edwards at this time, and there are many 
letters of his to the governor, some of a confidential character, which are 
published by Mr. Ninian W. Edwards in his "History of Illinois, and Life 
of Ninian Edwards. " This letter is published here, and lithographed to show 
the handwriting of that distinguished man. 



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LETTERS OF JOHN C. CALHOUN. 211 

the present crisis is of the greatest importance. Few men 
can have greater influence over the destiny of the country 
than yourself at this time. Your capacity, intelligence, 
and firmness are all important. 

With sincere respect, I am, &c, &c, 

J. C. Calhoun. 
Hon. N. Edwards. 



LETTER OF JAMES LATHAM.* 

Calhoun, Nov. 12th, 1823. 
Dear Governor: — I have just time to give you a 
small sketch of our sales; at this time they have sold 
between 18 and 20,000$. Considerable more than half 
are sold; no opposition as yet. Colo. Cox, Mr. Enos, and 
Maj'r lies has purchased Springfield and have altered the 
name to Calhoun with the general satisfaction of the 
people. Mr. Calhoun is growing in popularity very fast 
here. When I was in St. Louis I was detained longer 
than I expected, on private business. Gen'l Clark gave 
me a letter from Fulton to shew to you, which was nearly 
word for word that was in the one that you had the good- 
ness to let me see that you reed of him. When I got to 
Springfield I got Colo. Cox, Mr. Matheny, and several 
other gentlemen to write to Gen'l Clark and Gov. Coles, 
stating the character of that man and the citizens gener- 
ally at Fort Clark, which I think will put that business at 

* It is probably not known at this day that in 1823 the name of Springfield, 
Illinois, had been changed to Calhoun, "with the general satisfaction of the 
people. " The change could not have lasted long. The post-mark on this 
letter is "Sangamo, 111." 



212 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

rest. Gen'l Clark requested me to write you that one of 
the Mr. Rectors and a Mr. Campbell were candidates for 
the agency on the Illinois in place of Maj'r Grayham. The 
gen'l told me that Maj'r Grayham would be appointed 
agent in the Missouri and that agency would be vacant, 
and it was his wish that I should get the appointment. 
He also thought that the agency should be removed 
to the head of the lake, in order to be away from 
the whites. Now, my dear sir, I am willing to go any- 
where for the best, and will leave it to your judg't to say 
if any thing is or can be done respecting the agency; pray 
don't forget me or any other that you may think will be 
to my advantage. I think as Maj'r Grayham's agency is 
now with the Kickapoos a principal agency may be ob- 
tained in this place. Gen'l Clark says there must be one, 
for, he says, the business is too much for a sub-agent, but 
I say again I leave all to your good judg't. Am with the 
greatest respect, Your friend sincerely, 

Jas. Latham. 
At your leasure be pleased to give me your opinion and 
particulars respecting the President's. Pray write freely, 
you know I am your friend. J. L. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Senator in Congress, W. City. 






LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Chariton, Dec. ioth, 1823. 
DEAR Sir: — I have just returned from Franklin and 
have been making my arrangements to put my line of 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 213 

stages in operation. I find that the expense will be great 
and that I cannot possibly carry the mail in good stages at 
the price proposed. I must economise in horses, carriages, 
drivers, fare, and everything else to justify the contract and 
I will feel ashamed to advertise for passengers under such 
arrangements. 

The line is 174 miles, making at least : 

9 pair of horses, 2 for every 20 miles, equal $1500 

4 carriages at $300 each 1 200 

5 pair of harness extra of those with carriage, 

$35 each 175 

9 drivers at $10 per month, equal $120 each. _ 1080 
Feed of 9 pair of horses per year at $2.50 each 

pair per week, $ 1 30 each 11 70 

Board of 9 drivers at $60 each 540 

Horseshoeing 150 

Contingencies 1000 

$6815 
The above estimate will be found to fall little short of 
the actual expenditure for one year if the line is conducted 
properly. The transportation of passengers is uncertain, if 
I get $1000 by passengers I shall do more than I expect, 
and for the capital employed this will not be enough. My 
proposition was $30 per mile once a week or $45 for twice 
in large stages; or $15 weekly or $30 twice a week in small 
stages to carry two passengers. If I make this contract, 
I will have light Dearborns and employ fewer drivers, and 
the cost of horses, stages, and drivers taken off can make 
money at the price proposed by the Post-Master General. 



214 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

But $65 per mile has heretofore been given for carrying the 
mail in stages three times a week and I think I ought to 
have at least $6000 per annum for carrying the mail twice 
a week, which is only $34.49 per mile. $7000 is only $40.28 
and less than has been heretofore given. 

I have written to Mr. Scott and Col. Johnson on this sub- 
ject but cannot expect them to take the same interest in it 
that you will, and believe that the department are disposed 
to extend to me as much patronage as it can, consistent 
with the public good. You will do me a favor to call on 
Mr. McLean and urge on him the propriety of sending the 
mail twice a week to Franklin and if possible increase my 
compensation to $7000 per annum. $9000 is now given 
for carrying the mail 90 miles in Tennessee. I need not 
say to you that my situation requires assistance. I have 
however paid Gen'l Smith — and depend on this contract 
to save me from other pressing necessities. 

I have put in proposals for carrying the mail from 
Franklin to Liberty in a Dearborn at $2000. I have 
authorized Mr. Scott to reduce that bid to $1500. I can 
make my arrangements to carry that mail on good terms 
and want you to procure it for me. I am now carrying it 
and will continue to do so until I hear from Mr. McLean. 
I have bought light two-horse Dearborns to carry four 
and if need require six passengers, which I intend to run 
on the lower route until I get good, new stages made and 
will then transfer them to this route. Urge this on the 
Post-Master General and by all means secure me this 
contract. 

I received a letter from Gen'l Clark informing me that a 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 21 5 

Mr. Bennett Vasques had been appointed interpreter for 
the Ioways with authority to act as sub-agent, &c, he has 
entered on the duties of his office. 

The press of other matter has prevented the printer at 
Franklin from publishing Mr. Calhoun's report. I wrote to 
them and have their promise positive that it will appear next 
week as well as other matter which keeps up a strong feel- 
ing for Mr. Calhoun. The common people speak much of 
the Indian war and are desirous that another regiment may 
be ordered up the Missouri River. I find them most 
sensative and I intend to keep up that feeling. In the 
mean time I wish you to forward me anything calculated 
to operate here. 

You know my views and should you be enabled to serve 

me I feel assured that nothing will be wanting. Two 

candidates are already out for Clay, in this district it is 

probable that old Col. Coper will come out for Jackson } 

and if I find that I cannot carry for Calhoun will support 

him. Yours sincerely, 

D. Green* 

Let me hear from you ; I am sure that you can procure 
me this contract through your influence with Mr. Calhoun. 
If it is procured at $7000 I shall be able to pay off all my 
debts and I shall then be the most popular man in this 
district, and you know that much depends on the popularity 
of the candidate. 

Hon. N. Edwards (Senator), Washington City. 

* Duff Green married the sister of Governor Edwards. He afterward 
became a great Jackson man, and published a Jackson paper at Washington, 
called the Telegraph, which was a very unpopular sheet with the anti-Jackson 
men, who called it the " Tel-lie-graph ". 



2l6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF SOLOMON P. SHARP.* 

Shelbyville Court, February nth, 1824. 

DEAR Sir: — I am under great obligations to you for 
your kind attentions in inclosing to me the Documents 
accompanying the President's message; although but little 
of my time can be devoted to political subjects from profes- 
sional duties, I still feel that interest in knowing the aspects 
of the political Horizon as to feel great obligations to my 
friends who facilitate my means of information. 

I should much sooner have acknowledged the receipt of 
your letters but was still waiting in hopes of something to- 
write worth your reading; in that I have waited in vain, 
all is so still and quiet here that an opinion can not be 
very certainly formed of the bent and direction of public 
opinion. We, so long as our State calculates on a candidate 
of its own, repose in perfect inaction supposing the vote 
to take that direction some little talk is excited of electing 
candidates for Electors for General Jackson, but no one is 
as yet induced to think it will produce much contest, so 
strong is the feeling of state pride in having a candidate of 
their own. — Next to Clay and Jackson Mr. Calhoun stands 
decidedly ahead of the other candidates; but that will I 
apprehend be tested in Congress the next winter if more 
than two are voted for by the Electors. 

The Intelligencer states positively that you are to have 
a caucus; if so it is to nominate Crawford, of course. I 
expected his friends to take that course. It would appear 

* This letter was written from Shelbyville, Kentucky, and the speculations 
of the writer, touching Kentucky politics, are interesting. 



LETTER OF SOLOMON P. SHARP. 217 

they cannot have a majority to meet ; should such a meeting- 
take place would not a counter meeting be advisable if it 
could be had and select the strongest of the other candidates 
to run alone against him that would ensure success; would 
not such a counter meeting be sure to select Mr. Calhoun 
as the strongest of the other candidates. If you can spare 
the time let me know the possible prospects of each 
candidate. 

We are likely to have a warm contest for Governor. 
The State will divide into two parties Relief and anti- 
Relief. The contest will be between Desha and Tomkins; 
I fear our State will undergo a degree of excitement and 
division of parties that may disturb it for years to come. 
I am happily out of political excitement of all sorts, only 
concerned for the success and prosperity of yourself and 
the rest of my friends who are on the tapis. If you can 
reconcile yourself to the turmoil and labour of political life 
and take that leading part in publick concerns which you 
are so capable of doing, you may soon, very soon raise 
yourself to the summit of promotion, and no one will more 
rejoice to see it than I shall. 

Be pleased to let me hear often from you; everything: 
you write will be interesting. 

With great respect I remain your humble servant, 

Solomon P. Sharp. 

The Honorable Ninian Edwards, Senator in Congress, 
Washington City, D. C. 



CHAPTER XII. 

Letter of Thomas Lippincott; a strong anti-slavery man; father of 
of Gen. Lippincott, auditor of public accounts in Illinois ; desires 
clerkship in land-office at "Washington ; the convention question ; 
letter of Governor Edwards to Rufus King; expresses his grate- 
ful appreciation for Mr. King's friendship; note verbale of Gen. 
Jackson; brief note of Rufus King, advising Gov. Edwards of 
his confirmation as minister to Mexico; confirmed unanimously 
and without debate ; letter of Daniel P. Cook in relation to the 
Edwards and Crawford controversy; is prepared "to meet all 
attacks with discretion and calmness"; letter of Gov. Edwards 
to President Monroe; states his reasons why he resigns his 
position as minister to Mexico; letter of John Sloane of Ohio; 
wants endorsement of Gov. Edwards; letters of William Wirt 
in regard to the Edwards and Crawford controversy. 



LETTER OF THOMAS LIPPINCOTT * 

EDWARDSVILLE, i 6th February, 1824. 
DEAR Sir: — It is probable that the enquiry in the 
House of Representatives relative to additional clerks in 
the General Land Office, will result in authorizing the 
appointment of several, in which case vacancies may occur 
that will not be filled from those who are in readiness at 
the city. Should this be the case, and should it be con- 

* Thomas Lippincott was a clergyman, and was a strong anti-slavery man, 
as well as a vehement opponent of the convention; was elected secretary 
to the Senate in the third legislature of Illinois, December 2d, 1822; was 
made a corresponding-member of the Chicago Historical Society in i860; and 
died at Pana, 111., April 13, 1869. He was the father of Gen. Charles E. 
Lippincott, who was auditor of public accounts in this State from 1869-77. 



LETTER OF THOMAS LIPPINCOTT. 219 

sistent with the regulations of the office to give a sufficient 
time to enable persons from distant parts of the Union to 
become candidates, I should be glad of a situation. I 
need not inform you that the business of the land office 
is not entirely new to me; nor need I remind you that my 
business and prospects are not such as to afford induce- 
ments for my stay in this place. 

• On many accounts I have been accustomed to desire 
that my future residence might be in Illinois, but my duty 
to my family, and in fact the means of my subsistence 
depends on my obtaining some situation that will secure a 
regular income. I know you will require no apology for 
presenting my private affairs, while so much and such 
momentous concerns of a public nature claim your atten- 
tion, for you know the necessity which prompts me. 

You have no doubt heard of most of the occurrences of 
the day in this State. I will however inform you, thinking 
it may be new, that your letter to our late worthy friend 
Mr. Randle has been opened by his family, and the con- 
tents made known to a few individuals. I believe it is the 
general desire of the anti-conventionists of the county to 
secure your talents in their favor in the next Legislature. 
The only exceptions that I know of are to be found in 
and near Alton, where there is an opposition, the cause of 
which is known to you. They however only know that 
you have been written to on the subject, and I believe 
know nothing of your answer. Former political opponents, 
now unite with former friends in the desire of electing 
you. On Saturday next a meeting of Anti-Conventionists 
in the county will be held preparatory to nominating 
candidates. 



220 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Mr. Lockwood and myself as well as others of your 
friends think it our duty to prevent if possible a collision 
between different sections and will therefore endeavor to 
keep you out of view in the nomination if we should dis- 
cover such an opposition as would endanger your election. 
Such we think would be your desire, and such we are 
confident would be the safest course for the success of our 
party. 

Attempts are making in the county, and perhaps more 
extensively, to persuade the people that you are in favor 
of the introduction of slavery. Every effort will be made 
by the convention party, or rather the leaders of it, to 
defeat the election of one whom they so much fear. 

A letter, said to be written by Mr. Joseph Smith of 
Alexandria to Mr. Wilbanks of St. Clair, is shown by Mr. 
Kinney to the people which states that you assured Mr. S. 
that "the convention would no doubt succeed." This will 
have an unhappy effect, for many people rely on your 
judgment, and you are aware that there are not a few who 
love to be on the strongest side. I am of opinion more- 
over that without some unexpected revulsion, we shall 
be spared the mortification and injury that would result 
from the success of that question. 

I had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Edwards this morning 
who is in usual health as are the rest of the family. 
With real respect, I am, sir, 

Thos. Lippincott. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, U. S. Senate, 

Washington C. 



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LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 221 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
RUFUS KING. 

Washington, Feb. 21st, 1824. 
DEAR Sir: — The proof of your friendship, which your 
kind note affords me, inspires me with feelings which it 
would be impossible to express. I never will forget or 
cease to be unfeignedly grateful for it. 

That I shall meet all the opposition you allude to, I 
know, just as well as that it will be utterly unavailing. 
I speak advisedly, when I say it cannot succeed, unless, 
my friends should be absent when the vote is taken. 

The weather being cloudy, and being still much indis- 
posed, I do not know whether I can venture out this 
evening. If not Mr. Cook will call upon you, and can give 
you every information on the subject. At all events I will 
see you as soon as I dare. 

With great esteem, yours truly, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Hon. Rufus King, 

Geo. Town. 



LETTER OF JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.* 

Washington, 24th Feb., 1824. 

Dear Sir: — The Recommendations of you for the 

appointment of Governor of the Illinois Territory in 1809, 

are not to be found on the files of the Office. Perhaps 

they may be upon those of the Senate, to whom such 

* This letter of Mr. Adams was written while he was secretary of state 
under Mr. Monroe. It is lithographed. 



222 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Documents are often sent, and where they are sometimes 

casually retained. 

Yours faithfully, 

J. O. Adams. 

N. Edwards, Esq., S. U. S. 



NOTE VERBALE OF GENERAL JACKSON* 

Gen. A. Jackson, with compliments to Gov. Edwards, 
congratulates him upon the ratification of his nomina- 
tion — returns his thanks to him for the perusal of the 
extract of the letter inclosed, and returns it to him. 

Senate Chamber, March 4th, 1824. 

The Hon'ble N. Edwards of the Senate. 



LETTER OF RUFUS KING.f 

Senate Chamber, March 4th, 1824. 
DEAR Sir: — The nomination of the Envoy to Mexico 
was taken up this morning and confirmed; 27 Senators 

rising in favor of it. 

Yours faithfully, 

R. King. 

P. S. There was no Debate. 

Hon'ble N. Edwards of Illinois. 

* General Jackson was one of the senators from Tennessee at the time this 
note verbale was written. A lithograph is given. 

+ There seems to have been suggestions of opposition to the confirmation 
of Governor Edwards as minister to Mexico. It appears by this letter that 
he was confirmed without question and without debate. 



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LETTER OF DAN'L P. COOK. 223 

LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK* 

Washington City, April 17th, 1824. 

DEAR Gov.: — I rec'd your letter this morning and have 
rec'd the papers you sent to Mr. Calhoun. I shall most 
certainly get the resolution referred to and your statement 
to the committee. The A. B. between the 29 March and 
the 9th April Mr. Calhoun will give me from his file, so 
that all shall be complete. I shall see Mr. Campbell of 
Ohio, to-day, and should have done so before writing, but 
could not find him at home, and endeavor to get him to 
move the reference to a committee. I think from the in- 
terest he has expressed to me on the subject that he will 
do so. If he will not, I will get some one else — probably 
Houston. Calhoun says Clay will give a good committee, 
that is, one that will do justice, as he believes. Houston 
says he will stand by you to the last, and so will all Ten- 
nessee, except Cooke. 

I shall give the papers to Mr. Clay to-morrow. I want 
first to show them to some of my friends, who will aid me. 
Mr. Calhoun, and so do I, think it will be best not to 
publish them in the Republican until after they are printed 
by the House, but merely take proper notice of them, 
give a summary and promise them in extenso. Cobb stated 
to Campbell that he was sorry Crawford had revived the 
subject by his report. I think Crawford's friends begin to 
smell a rat. 

I have read your answer most particularly, and I think 

* This relates to the trouble which had arisen between Governor Edwards 
and Mr. Crawford, and which became the subject of investigation by the 
House of Representatives while Mr. Cook was a member of Congress. 



224 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

it must have a most powerful effect. It is certainly as 
clear as it could be, and so far as the publication will have 
any effect on your reputation for talents it must be most 
happy. 

I look for an enraged and vindictive reply from some 
one. Crawford must muster up all his powers, and doubt- 
less will do so, to meet it. His "bullies" will be put in 
requisition, and I look for vindictive assaults upon myself. 
Rest satisfied, however, that I shall meet them with dis- 
cretion and calmness. I will not be betrayed into folly or 
rashness. There are none of his friends but Forsythe and 
McLane of Del. that I will meet as deserving my special 
notice. This will be high ground to be sure, but I will 
take it. Forsythe and I have had some sparring on the 
tariff. I think, altho' he has been in Spain I need not, I 
certainly do not dread him. 

McLane of Del. is not disposed, I think, to go very far 
in his defence of Mr. Crawford. This I infer from some 
circumstances that I deem conclusive. 

Mr. Adams' friends will aid, and stand by you. 

If Clay acts fairly, I think there will be no danger. 

The mail is nearly ready to go. Affectionately, 

D. P. Cook. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
PRESIDENT MONROE.* 

June 22, 1824. 
SIR: — Intending hereby to make a voluntary surrender 

* In this letter, for reasons stated, Governor Edwards resigns his position 
as minister to Mexico. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 225 

of an appointment which my enemies have endeavored to 
force from me, I beg leave to submit to you a brief review 
of some of the most prominent circumstances which have 
influenced my recent conduct towards Mr. Crawford, and 
•eventually produced my present determination. 

Whatever doubt there might otherwise have been, as. to 
the real object of his report of the 2 2d of March last, his 
subsequent communication to the committee of investiga- 
tion renders it manifest that, his design was to injure me. 
Having for. years past experienced his hostility, and ap- 
prised, as I was last summer, of an intended attack upon 
me at the late session of Congress, I could but regard that 
report as a premeditated and deliberate attempt to destroy 
my reputation — and one too, which, from the nature of 
the circumstances, could not have failed to have been ex- 
tensively successful, had it, as was intended and expected, 
escaped my notice till after I had left the United States. 
Scarcely had I departed from this city before his friends 
commenced using it, to my disadvantage, handing it about, 
and insinuating that it established the charge of perjury 
against me. Nor have I the least doubt that, had it re- 
mained unnoticed by me till after my embarkation for 
Mexico, every Radical paper in the Union would have 
been engaged in maintaining and enforcing the same in- 
sinuation. 

With such impressions as these, self-defence, I thought, 
was not only a right that belonged to me, but a duty 
which I owed both to myself and friends. Not having 
in my possession, nor expecting to obtain, before I would 
reach Edwardsville, documents to establish the truth of 
15 



226 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



my oath, which had thus been questioned, but anxious to 
put my denial on the same record on which Mr. Crawford 
had placed his accusation, and fearing that Congress might 
adjourn before I could transmit a defence from Edwards- 
ville, I had no other alternative for avoiding the risk of an 
adjournment, than barely to endeavor to invalidate the 
statements he had made against me. 

In doing this, I had necessarily to employ statements 
against him, which fully justified the conclusions I at- 
tempted to deduce from them. 

Knowing these statements to be true, and feeling the 
importance to me, of maintaining them to be so, I chal- 
lenged an investigation thereof in the following words, 
viz. : 

"I will say, that, if, being an officer of the same govern- 
ment under which he holds his office, I have wilfully and 
maliciously misrepresented him, in the six foregoing alle- 
gations, it is a misdemeanor that would prove me un- 
worthy of the office I hold. I invite him, or any of his 
friends to make this charge against me, pledging myself 
to waive all notice, and with all the disadvantages of ab- 
sence to submit to an investigation by either or both 
Houses of Congress, and to abide by the decision there- 
upon." 

This invitation was promptly accepted by his friends, 
and with a view to obtain my dismissal from office, they 
called for investigation; demanded my personal attend- 
ance; prepared, by every means in their power for my 
overthrow; and anticipating that the report of the com- 
mittee would be such as to render it your duty to dismiss 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 227 

me, have constantly labored to prepare the public mind to 
expect that my fate would depend upon that report. It is 
now before you. You yourself will perceive that all my 
charges against Mr. Crawford have been established; that 
the committee have not been able to detect a single in- 
accuracy in any of the facts I alleged against him; and 
that, they have completely acquitted me of his charge. I 
might, therefore, fairly conclude that the report furnishes 
no ground for my dismissal. It appears to me also that 
there is nothing that should forbid my proceeding on the 
mission to Mexico. 

There is no reason to believe that the report will be fur- 
ther acted on by the House of Representatives. 

Acquitting me, as it does, of the charge against which I 
have defended myself, and containing no allegation against 
me, I can not complain of it to the House, without chang- 
ing the attitude of self-defence, in which I have placed 
myself, which I shall not do. 

Mr. Crawford knows that all my allegations against him 
are true, and can therefore have no motive to demand a 
further investigation, as he could not possibly hope to ob- 
tain any report more favorable to himself. 

Events may be expected to occur between this time and 
the next session of Congress which, it is reasonable to sup- 
pose, will indispose the House to call up the subject. But 
even should a further investigation of Mr. Crawford's con- 
duct take place, it can not be supposed that, I should again 
be sent for as a witness, since it is now ascertained that, 
none of my charges depend upon my own oath; that all 
of them can be as well established without my presence, 



228 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



as with it, and that even, if my oath were necessary, it has 
already been taken. 

Under all these circumstances it appears to me that 
nothing I have done could justify my dismissal; and noth- 
ing that it is reasonable to expect will be required of me 
to do, forbids my employment according to my appoint- 
ment. I, therefore, should suppose that, after having de- 
feated my opponents on the very trial which they them- 
selves appealed to, neither justice, nor policy would be 
consulted by giving me up as a sacrifice to appease them; 
and I will not believe that I should be dismissed from 
office. 

So far from wishing to avoid dismissal, by a voluntary 
resignation, I regret the necessity which impells me to the 
latter, the more, in consequence of there being nothing in 
the report against which I can consistently complain, and 
the object of my enemies being gained, I shall no longer 
be so attacked as to bring me into further contest with 
them. This, I confess, is a position which, it goes hard 
with me to gain by such means and were I alone con- 
cerned I would sooner perish than do it. Other consider- 
ations there are, however, which I do not think myself at 
liberty to disregard. 

Regretting that your name, and the names of certain 
members of your cabinet should have been so unjustly 
and wickedly dragged into the controversy in which I have 
been engaged, and being unwilling to see the latter days 
of your long and useful life of public service embittered 
by the unprincipled attacks of a desperate faction, or that 
you should have any other embarrassment on my account. 



LETTER OF NLNIAN EDWARDS. 229 

I therefore, and for this reason only, hereby tender to you 
my resignation of my appointment as Minister to Mexico. 

I have the honor to be with the highest esteem, grati- 
tude, and friendship, sir, Y'r mo. ob'd't s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 

The President U. S. 



LETTER OF JOHN SLOANE * 
Jefferson County, Ohio, Sep't ist, 1824. 
DEAR Sir: — I have just passed through my district on 
a visit to 'my brother, and find that I am to be violently 
opposed at the ensuing election which takes place on the 
nth of October next. From the exertions my opponent 
is making, I have no doubt he will resort to every kind of 
falsehood possible to aid him. I am not alarmed, but 
would be glad to have in my power the means necessary. 
to defeat him. I would have wrote to you before, but it 
was not until yesterday I learnt you were at Washington- 
My competitor is busily engaged in circulating a report 
which rests on his own assertion that I had no agency in 
procuring the passage of laws "for the relief of the pur- 
chasers of public land," and that my standing is not good 
at Washington. As a gentleman who is well acquainted 
with my legislative course and standing, I ask the favour 
of you to address a letter to my friend John Patton, Esq., 

. * Mr. Sloane was a member of Congress from Ohio from 1819 to 1829. 
Afterward he was secretary of State of Ohio for three years, and subsequently 
appointed treasurer of the United States by President Fillmore, serving from 
November 27th, 1850, to April ist, 1853. Mr. Cook had already been elected 
a member of Congress from Illinois at the date of the letter. 



230 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

of Wooster, Ohio, expressive of the opinion you entertain 
of me. 

I have not yet heard the result of the election in Illinois. 
I hope, however, Mr. Cook has succeeded. 

I am, sir, very respectfully, 

Your ob't serv't, 

J. SLOANE. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, Washington City, 

[forwarded to] Shepperdstown, V. 



LETTERS OF WILLIAM WIRT* 

Washington, October 2, 1824. 
DEAR Sir: — The President in answer to my letter says 
that the two statements, to-wit: 

1. That you had denied to him the authorship of the A. 
B. letters and thereby obtained your nomination to Mexico, 
and 

2. That you had applied through Mr. Adams to be per- 
mitted to wait on him and had been refused, are un- 
founded. The first most certainly; the last according to 
his best recollection. He thinks, also, that Doct. Everett 
could not have spoken by his authority in making the 
communication which you say he did to Mr. Cook. 

The President, however, is extremely unwilling to take 
any step which cpuld be construed into a personal inter- 
ference in your controversy with the Secretary of the 

* This letter of Mr. Wirt to Governor Edwards, in respect to his contro- 
versy with Mr. Crawford, is lithographed, as showing the handwriting of that 
distinguished man. 







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LETTERS OF WM. WIRT. 23 I 

Treasury, more especially at this point of time when the 
affair seems to have died away and when any movement 
on his part, although intended as a mere act of justice to 
you, would certainly be interpreted into a disposition on 
his part to revive the odious dispute, to the prejudice of 
Mr. C. He thinks that every purpose you have in view 
will be answered by your own denial of those statements 
in the papers published here — which, under the silence ob- 
served on his part, will be considered as true — and, more- 
over, if any one sh'd personally apply to him for informa- 
tion on the subject, he will say of the statements what I 
have said above. As this letter does not concern me alone, 
you will consider it as not intended for public use. 

In great haste, 

Y'r's truly, 

Wm. Wirt. 
Ninian EDWARDS, Esq., Brown's Hotel. 

Baltimore, October 23, 1824. 
My Dear Sir: — The enclosed letter was written and 
sent to Brown's, where it arrived a few minutes after you 
left the tavern. It was said to be uncertain whither you 
destination might be. I now learn that you are at Shep- 
perd's town, and hasten to forward the letter to you. 
I remain, in very great haste, 

Yours truly, 

Wm. Wirt. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Edwardsville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Letter of Wm. Lee D. Ewing; wants assistance of Gov. Edwards 
• to get surveying contract; Mr. Ewing a senator in the legisla- 
ture in 1832; being president of the senate, becomes governor 
for fifteen days in 1834; afterward elected U. S. senator; letter 
of Felix Grundy; goes to Edwardsville to defend "Winchester 
for the killing of Smith; his long and distinguished public life 
in Kentucky and Tennessee; United States senator from Ten- 
nessee and attorney-general in the cabinet of Mr. VanBuren; 
his great reputation as a criminal lawyer; letter of John Scott 
of Missouri; wants "Coke on Littleton"; the third delegate in 
Congress from Missouri; a representative in Congress from 
Missouri for six years ; gives the vote of Missouri for Mr. 
Adams, in 1824; letter of Judge Richard M. Young; urges 
Edwards to become a candidate for governor; Judge Young a 
long time on the Circuit and Supreme Bench of Illinois, United 
States senator, commissioner of general land -office; letter of 
Gen. Sam Houston; fac-simile of his well-known signature; 
letter of Gov. Edwards to Henry Clay; wants a favorable 
recognition of the Illinois-and-Michigan Canal from Pres. John 
Quincy Adams; letter of Daniel P. Cook; Andrew Stevenson 
of Virginia offended because Cook had been placed above him 
on the committee of ways and means; high political positions 
occupied by Andrew Stevenson; the father of ex-Gov. Steven- 
son of Kentucky; married Miss Sarah Coles, a sister of Edward 
Coles, the second governor of Illinois; letter of Gov. Edwards 
to A. G. S. Wight; revives memories of strange times in Illinois; 
transfer of service of colored persons in Illinois ; Col. Wight an 
early settler in the Fever-River lead-mines; letter of Daniel P. 
Cook; speculations as to the circuit judgeship under the new 
judiciary bill; another letter of Mr. Cook on the same subject; 
a letter of Mr. Cook to his wife; letter of Gov. Edwards to 
Henry Eddy, written during during the pending gubernatorial 



LETTER OF WM. LEE D. EWING. 233 

contest of 1826; Gov. Edwards fights all the factions single- 
handed and alone; his success as a political canvasser; Dr. 
Newhall's opinion of him; common people proud to vote for 
such a high-toned and elegant gentleman; the candidates for 
governor at this election; the full vote given; Henry Eddy, a 
man of ability and high character. 



LETTER OF WM. LEE D. EWING.* 

Vandalia, 111., Feb. 18, 1825. 
DEAR Sir: — Indulge me in the liberty of addressing 
you a line. I ask this, with the greater diffidence, as I 
come soliciting your favor and knowing that I have no 
claim upon it. However, I am emboldened to proceed, 
feeling conscious you will have no objection to afford me 
your influence in the small matter, in which I now ask it. 
A combination of unfortunate circumstances, has made me 
poor. Such as the robbery of my office, &c. I am now 
an applicant at the office of the Surveyor General for a 
surveying contract. I have learned that you are known 

* In 1832, Wm. L. D. Ewing was a senator in the Legislature from the 
District of Fayette, Marrion, and Clay counties. Zadoc Casey, who was 
elected lieutenant-governor at th& same time that John Reynolds was elected 
governor, in August, 1830, was elected a member of Congress in August, 
1832. He resigned his seat in the Senate, and General Ewing was chosen to 
preside over the Senate in his place. Two years afterward, Governor Rey- 
nolds was also chosen to Congress, not only for the full term, but to fill a 
vacancy occasioned by the death of Hon. Charles Slade, to serve out the term 
of Mr. Slade, to expire March 4th, 1835. In order to accept the position of 
congressman in Mr. Slade's place, Reynolds was obliged to resign as governor 
and go to Washington. Ewing then, by virtue of his position as president of 
the Senate, became governor, and held the position for fifteen days, until 
Joseph Duncan was inaugurated, December 3, 1834. General Ewing was 
elected United States senator in 1835, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
death of Elias Kent Kane, who died December 12th, 1835. 



234 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

personally to Colo. McRea, and if this should be the fact, 
and you have no reluctance in giving me your support by 
letter of recommendation, I shall feel greatly obliged to 
you. I feel a great degree of anxiety on the subject and 
it all proceeds from a laudable solicitude to rid myself of 
pecuniary embarrassment. 

I am well aware, Governor, that any thing I could say 
would neither be flattering or interesting to you, but might 
on the present occasion be improperly construed. I do 
assure you so far as yourself and all your acts are con- 
cerned, I have the highest admiration and respect for 
them; and I am fully persuaded that should Adams or 
Jackson be made the president (and of that there is an 
absolute certainty) you will be placed in a more exalted 
situation than you have ever occupied. But if that should 
never be the case, your old friends and hundreds who may 
be called your new friends look to you with utmost confi- 
dence for our next Governor or Senator in the U. S. Con- 
gress to succeed- Thomas. I readily admit that the office 
of Governor of Illinois is not such an one as I should like 
to see you fill or that it has been much dignified by the 
present, and much less by the former incumbents, but it 
would afford the people an opportunity of manifesting 
their confidence in an old and able public servant. 

Excuse me, sir, for these perhaps unwelcome specula- 
tions, for I do assure there is no man in this State, who 
more ardently hopes for what is here expressed than my- 
self. I have the honor to be, sir, 

Your friend and serv't, Wm. Lee D. EwiNG. 

The Hon'l N. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 









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LETTER OF PHELIX GRUNEY. 235 

LETTER OF FELIX GRUNDY* 

Nashville, Feb'y 20th, 1825. 
Dear SIR: — I returned home on last night and set out 
to a distant Court in a few minutes. I shall on next Fri- 
day week, leave this place for Edwardsville. I go on ac- 
count of the late misfortune of Mr. Winchester, among 
other reasons inducing me to visit your place, is the 
pleasure it will afford me to see and converse freely with 
you. I hope you will be in Edwardsville on the Saturday 
before the 2nd Monday in March. 

Y'r friend, 

Felix Grundy. 
The Honorable NlNIAN EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

* Felix Grundy had a long and distinguished public life, both in Kentucky 
and Tennessee. He first served as a member of the Kentucky constitutional 
convention in 1799; was a member of the State Legislature for five years, 
and was afterward chief-justice of the State. Removing to Tennessee in 
1807, he was elected to Congress from the Nashville District in 181 1. Resign- 
ing in 1814, he served for four years as a member of the Tennessee House of 
Representatives. In 1830, he was elected a United States senator from the 
State of Tennessee, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. 
John H. Eaton. He resigned his seat in 1838, to become attorney-general 
of the United States in the cabinet of Mr. VanBuren. 

I heard him make a law argument before the Supreme Court of the United 
States in March, 1840. He was a great lawyer and a distinguished statesman. 
No man of his time had so great a reputation as a criminal lawyer in the West 
and Southwest as Mr. Grundy. This letter, which is lithographed, refers to 
one of the most celebrated criminal cases ever in our State. The Mr. Win- 
chester referred to, who had married the daughter of Hon. Benjamin Stephen- 
son — who was the second delegate in Congress from Illinois — had killed a Mr. 
Smith. The trial excited a great interest at the time. Winchester was 
acquitted. Mr. Grundy died at Nashville, Tennessee, December 19th, 1840, 
only five days after he had been again elected a senator from Tennessee. It 
was on the 17th of February, 1841, that Grundy County, in this State, was 
organized and named after him. 



236 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF JOHN SCOTT.* 

Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, June 1st, 1825. 

Dear Sir : — I really stand in need of Coke on Little- 
ton. You have had mine from the time you lived on your 
farm near Prairie Du Rocher. It is in three volumns; was 
then quite new. You will greatly oblige me if you will 
send it to Thomas McKnight at St. Louis, that I may pro- 
cure it from there. Do not fail to do this immediately. 

I also want to know how the property at the River is 
situated. Mr. Wiggins seems to be in the full, quiet, and 
undisturbed possession of the whole; how is this? and 
will you make out for me the deed for my interest, and 

* John Scott was a man of great prominence and distinction, not only in 
the Territory of Missouri, but for some years after its admission into the 
Union as a state. He was a native of Virginia, and a graduate of Princeton 
College in 1805. He commenced the practise of law at St. Genevieve, Mis- 
souri, a short time afterward. He was elected as the third delegate to Con- 
gress from the Territory of Missouri. Edward Hempstead was the first dele- 
gate and Rums Easton the second, both natives of Connecticut and men of 
great ability. The competitor of Mr. Scott in 1816 was Mr. Easton. The 
certificate was given to Scott, but Easton contested his election. The com- 
mittee reported in favor of Easton, but the House overruled the report and 
declared the seat vacant. At the next election, in 181 7, Scott was again 
elected, and served until March 3d, 1821, when Missouri having been admitted 
as a state, he was elected to Congress, and took his seat in the House of Rep- 
resentatives, December 3d, 1821. He was twice re-elected, closing his term 
of service March 3d, 1827. 

In the election for president in 1824, there being no choice by the people, 
Mr. Scott, as the only representative from the State of Missouri, gave the vote 
of that State to Mr. Adams, in the House of Representatives. This vote 
gave great offence to the people of Missouri, although it was entirely justifia- 
ble under the circumstances. It, however, ended his political career in the 
State. He was greatly distinguished as a lawyer and as a man of the highest 
character for honor and probity. I well recollect meeting him when he was 
on a visit to Galena, in the summer of 1841. His youngest daughter, Miss 
Emily Scott, married Samuel M. Wilson, Esq., formerly of Galena and now 
one of California's ablest lawyers and the leader of the San Francisco bar. 



LETTER OF JOHN SCOTT. 237 

send it to me, as you promised to do. I would be glad to 

hear from you on this subject as early as convenient. 

Yours, truly, 

John Scott. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF RICHARD M. YOUNG* 

Kaskaskia, July 8th, 1825. 
Dear Sir: — During my tour on the last circuit I was 
frequently asked whether you would not consent to be a 
Candidate for the office of Governor at the next Election? 
To which I replied that I thought you would be provided 
that the People desired it. There seems at this time to 
be an almost unanimous acclamation in your favour against 
the pretensions of any other person that might offer against 
you, in all the Southern Counties and such is the state of 
feeling towards you that your most inveterate enemies 
below (who are very few), are compelled to admit that in 
the Counties of Union, Alexander, Johnson, and Pope, 
you would get five Votes to one against any Candidate 

* Richard M. Young was a prominent man in this State from quite an early 
period. He was first elected circuit judge by the general assembly in January, 
1825, and holding that position at the time this letter was written. He held 
the office of circuit judge for a very long period. In 1837, he was elected to 
the United States Senate for the term of six years. At the expiration of his 
term of service as senator, in 1843, he was made a judge of the Supreme 
Court of the State, and served until he resigned, in 1847, to become a com- 
missioner of the general land office at Washington. He never returned to 
the State to live, and died in Washington several years since. 

This letter is interesting as showing the sentiment of the people at that 
period in regard to Governor Edwards, and which resulted in his election as 
governor the succeeding year. 



238 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

that could be brought out against you. From my own 
knowledge which is not limited in these Counties I can 
safely assure you that you would not lose out of the 1200 
votes that they will give more than 150 and it is immater- 
ial who opposes you. The people in that quarter took 
great interest in your contest with Crawford, and the result 
of the late Election in those Counties for Elector of 
President and Vice President of the United States shows 
conclusively to whom the Victory was awarded. — And the 
late offer to retain Mr. Crawford in the Treasury depart- 
ment by President Adams has excited great indignity, and 
they know no better way of showing it than by bringing 
you forward at this particular time in order that the world 
may be convinced as to the estimation in which your 
public conduct has been held by the people of your own 
Country. Doct. Alexander was at that time a popular 
man and yet in those four Counties he had but two votes. 
This proves in what estimation Crawford was held and it 
all resulted from your exposition of his public conduct. 
The Citizens of these Counties are all Jacksonites and they 
believe that great injustice has been done you by Mr. 
Adams in offering to reappoint Crawford and they are 
determined that you shall be their Candidate let what may 
happen. George Woolf and the old Sheriff of Union, 
George Hunsaker as well as many others of the leading 
men of that County, Jesse Echols, Esq., of Alexander, your 
old friend Judge Finney of Johnson, and Squire Bridgers, 
late of the Legislature, and many others of all those 
Counties have requested me to say to you that nothing 
would give them more pleasure than to hear of your being 



LETTER OF RICHARD M. YOUNG. 239 

before the People and if so that you have no danger to 
apprehend from that quarter, I hope therefore that we may 
not be disappointed in our expectations. 

I am very respectfully your friend, 

Richard M. Young. 



LETTER OF GENERAL SAM. HOUSTON. 
Nashville, 14th July, 1825. 

DEAR Sir: — Your letter of the 16th ultimo was rec'd a 
few days since, and business alone has prevented my 
answering it until now. I regret that my recollection of 
dates and circumstances refered to by you is not more 
distinct. But so far as I can recollect I will detail them to 
you; with the correction of a mistake which you have 
fallen into. Gen'l Jackson was not at the Ball at Alex- 
andria, but requested me to make his apology to the man- 
agers, which I did. It was his intention to have attended, 
but the evening was very unfavorable, and he did not go 
down. 

I recollect distinctly to have called on you at Mrs. 
Queen's boarding house, in the back part of it, and found 
you in bed, and I thought very ill, you appeared almost 
helpless, and to suffer much pain. When I had sat a few 
minutes conversing on the subject of your indisposition and 
confinement, you stated to me that you had rec'd a St. 
Louis Paper and on expressing my anxiety to see an article 
in it of which you had spoken, you asked me to hand your 
hat to you. I did so, and from among other papers con- 



240 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



tained in it you took the paper refer'd to and gave it to 
me. Whether I read the article alluded to, or not I do not 
recollect. I think at the time I was on my way to see 
Gen'l Jackson, but what I afterwards did with the paper I 
do not remember. On what day these things took place 
I do not pretend to say — the impression upon my mind is 
that it was soon after the 22nd of February but I can not 
certainly state. For the reason that I have not from that 
time to the present, ever reflected upon the subject. Some 
days after my first visit I called to see you, and found you 
in the front part of Mrs. Queen's building, and your health, 
as I thought much improved, but not entirely good. On 
my second visit I recollect there were some gentlemen 
present but who they were I can not confidently state — 
Mr. D. P. Cook I think was one of the company. 
Very respectfully your most ob't ser't, 




Governor N. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO 
HENRY CLAY* 

Belleville, Illinois, July 18th, 1825. 
[Confidential.] 
Dear Sir: * * * A favorite object, and indeed a 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 24 1 

political hobby, that supersedes all others in this State 
and Missouri is a canal to connect Lake Michigan and the 
Illinois river.* Nothing could sustain the administration 
or its friends in those two states so effectually, as its 
countenancing this measure. Connecting the waters of 
Lake Erie and the Wabash is also a desirable object in 
a part of this State and Indiana. Ohio is executing a sim- 
ilar project. Now, do I venture too far, in suggesting that 
it might be very judicious in the President, without des- 
cending to any particular case, to introduce into his mes- 
sage to Congress some sentiment favorable to the con- 
, nection of our great lakes with the Atlantic and Western 
Vwaters? This might probably satisfy the friends of all 
these different projects. I know it would contribute greatly 
to the support of the friends of the administration. I 
could say much more, and am half-inclined to do it, but 
there are considerations which admonish me to forbear. 

As however, I have alluded to my being a candidate for 
Gov. I will inclose for your inspection, one, among the 
multitude of letters I am constantly receiving from different 
parts of the State on that subject. This is from Judge 
Young who is decidedly one of our most popular characters. 
I will only observe that the people of the District he refers 
to, actually consider me a friend of Mr. Adams. You will 
please to return the letter. 

Dr. John Todd of Edwardsville is and long has been a 
very warm friend to you. He was the candidate in your 

* This extract fully illustrates the interest which Governor Edwards then 
took in the canal, and his desire to get a favorable recognition of the subject 
from President John Quincy Adams. 

16 



L 



242 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

favor in this District. He is a very popular, and a very- 
worthy and intelligent man. I should be very happy if 
you should find it in your power to serve him. Vacancies 
in office are frequently occurring which would, I am sure, 
be very acceptable to him, though I never have spoken a 
word to him on the subject. Yours truly, 

N. Edwards. 
Hon. H. Clay. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK.* 

Washington City, Dec. 10th, 1825. 

Dear Sir: — * * * You will see that I am placed 
on the Committee of Ways and Means and I am told that 
Stephenson is mad at my being placed above him. How- 
ever all is going on so far smooth enough, and I hope we 
shall do very well. All however as yet is conjecture. 

Mr. Adams seems as friendly as ever and I have lost no- 
share of my confidence in him. 

John Randolph has been elected to the Senate from 
Virginia. 

I have been four hours writing this letter, so much have 

* This letter, an extract of which is published, was written just after the 
commencement of the session of Congress, in December, 1825. The "Mr. 
Stephenson", who is represented as being mad because Mr. Cook had been 
placed above him on the committee of ways and means, was Andrew Steven- 
son of Virginia, who was afterward for six years speaker of the House of 
Representatives, ending his service in 1834. Mr. Stevenson was afterward 
appointed minister to England, and held that position from 1836 to 1841. 
Hon. John White Stevenson, ex-member of Congress, ex-United-States sena- 
tor, and ex-governor of Kentucky, was the son of Andrew Stevenson. 

Mr. Andrew Stevenson maiTied Miss Sarah Coles, daughter of Colonel 
John Coles of Albemarle County, Virginia, and the sister of Edward Coles,, 
the second governor of the State of Illinois. 



LETTER OF DAN'L P. COOK. 243 

I been interrupted by company and if I should not get a 

chance to write to Julia before the mail goes out, you can 

tell her the reason. Affectionally, 

D. P. Cook. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO 
A. G. S. WIGHT.* 

Belleville, August 19th, 1825. 

DEAR Sir: — I have just received your letter of the 14th 
inst. and lose not a moment in replying to it. 

Whatever may have been the conceptions you had 
formed from my description, at Vandalia, last winter, of 
the servants I have since sold you, I well know there was 
no intention on my part of deceiving you or any one else, 
and I should suppose your finding Charles "so much better 
than you expected" sufficient to free me from any such 
suspicion, since as he was capable of being the most valu- 
able, if I had intended to deceive, I must have acted most 
strangely, in representing him so much worse, and the 
others so much better, than they respectively deserved. 

* :; " This letter revives the memories of strange times in Illinois, when colored 
persons were held to service, and those services subjects of transfer. It was a 
qualified condition of slavery, which was put an end to in 1845 by a decision 
of the Supreme Court in the case of Jarrot vs. Jarrot, reported in the 2d 
Oilman. 

Colonel Wight was an early settler at the Fever -River lead-mines, and 
resided a long time at Galena, and died there many years ago. In 1836, he 
was elected a senator to the Legislature for the senatorial district composed 
of Jo Daviess, Winnebago, Ogle, Rock Island, and Mercer counties. 



244 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

The truth is that I said nothing then, which I did not at 
that time, and which I do not now believe to be true. 

You remark that "you are sorry to say also that Maria 
by no means tallies with the description you had of her, 
she is not a first-rate cook, neither is she any part of a 
sempstress." I have read this part of your letter to several 
ladies now at my house, all well acquainted with her, who 
are equally with myself surprised at it. She had been my 
only cook for seven years before I sold her to you, during 
which time, I have lived pretty well, and entertained much 
company, all of whom I believe would agree with me, that 
she deserves to be considered in this part of the world, at 
least, as a first-rate cook. The ladies insist upon it that 
she is an excellent sempstress, and I know she has made 
and ruffled my shirts as well as I have ever been able to 
find any other person capable of doing. I can also prove 
that she has done almost all kinds of fine work, and that 
she can cut out and make her own dresses as well as any 
lady in this part of the country. It is true she has not 
done much sewing for the last seven years, & it is probable 
her present situation may prevent her from discharging her 
duties with her usual ability. She is however a faithful 
and capable servant whom no money could have got from 
me, if she had chosen to separate from her husband, and 
so far from having endeavored to enhance her value by any 
erroneous description she has ten years more to serve than 
I represented to you at Vandalia. 

I could have had no motive to deceive by any description 
I gave of these servants, because I did not suppose any one 
would have purchased them, without seeing them and 
judging for himself. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 245 

As however the situation of your family prevented your 
coming yourself for that purpose, and as you say you are 
disappointed in your expectations and would not, if you 
could have come yourself, have been a purchaser because 
those servants "by no means suit you," I can not think of 
holding you to your bargain. I would rather lose myself 
than insist upon a contract under such circumstances, with 
any man more especially with a gentleman and friend 
whom I so highly esteem and respect. If therefore you 
choose to transmit to me by the return mail, the transfers 
I made to you of these servants, I will promptly return to 
you the consideration I received for them, and in the mean 
time you may hold them in your possession as security for 
my compliance with this proposition. 

I would far rather return you the whole consideration I 
received, than accede to your proposal of transferring to 
you Nelson and Ellen upon the grounds you urge, because 
by doing so it would be a tacit admission at least that I 
had intended to impose on you, which is a thing I am 
incapable of doing with any man upon this earth. 

Very respectfully, I am, Sir, your friend and ob't s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Col. A. G. S.Wight. 



LETTERS OF DANIEL P. COOK.* 

Washington City, Jan'y 28th, 1826. 
Dear Gov.: * * * The Judiciary Bill will pass, 
and I now am inclined to think that Pope's chance to be 

* The appointment of judge, which is spoken of in this letter, did go to 
Ohio, but not until March 7, 1829, when General Jackson appointed John 



246 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

Judge is not very good. It will, most probably, go to 
Ohio. Who it will be is not certain of course. The Pres't 
refuses to talk with any one on the subject until the law 

McLean judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Mr. McLean 
had served through both terms of Mr. Monroe's administration, and through 
the one term of the administration of John Quincy Adams as postmaster- 
general. On the accession of General Jackson to the presidency, March 4th, 
1829, he invited Mr. McLean to retain his position, and, on his declining, 
tendered to him the war and navy departments, neither of which he was will- 
ing to accept. He was then appointed a justice of the Supreme Court of 
the United States, as above stated. 

Judge McLean had a long, honorable, and a most useful political career. 
He was equally distinguished as a member of Congress from Ohio, as judge 
of the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio, as commissioner of the general 
land office, as a cabinet officer under Presidents Monroe and Adams, and as 
judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. A strong personal and 
political friendship existed between Judge McLean and Mr. Lincoln. The 
latter strongly urged the nomination of Judge McLean for the presidency by 
the Republican National Convention, held in Philadelphia in the summer of 
1856. Just before the meeting of the convention, Mr. Lincoln wrote me at 
Washington, begging that ray republican colleagues in the House and myself 
go over to Philadelphia during the sitting of the convention, and do what 
we could for the nomination of Judge McLean. Nothing, however, could 
stem that tide which swept Fremont into the nomination, resulting in the 
defeat and discredit of the republican party. 

After Fremont had been nominated by this convention, William L. Dayton 
of New- Jersey was nominated for vice-president. The friends of McLean, 
having been defeated in effecting his nomination for president, brought forward 
the name of Abraham Lincoln for the nomination for vice-president, and he 
received no votes against 259 votes for Mr. Dayton. The history of that 
convention was never fully understood by the American people. I was pres- 
ent, not as a member, but as an interested spectator. The nomination of 
Fremont was a set-up job from the beginning, and all the opposition which 
was offered to that nomination by many of the most influential, judicious, and 
patriotic men of the party could avail nothing. 

During the session of the convention, I was invited to attend a meeting of 
the Pennsylvania delegation. The venerable ex-Governor Joseph Ritner was 
chairman of the delegation, and Hon. Thaddeus Stevens was one of the 
leading members. Mr. Stevens was a great friend of Judge McLean, and 
was using all his powerful influence to secure his nomination. There were a 
large number of the friends of Fremont in the delegation, and I never heard 



LETTERS OF DAN L P. COOK., 247 

shall pass. It is rumored that McLean will probably be 
appointed and it is further rumored that I am to be offered 
the Post-Office Dep't. Neither event however do I think 

a more feeling and eloquent appeal than Mr. Stevens made to them at this 
meeting to give their support to Judge McLean. His knowledge of Pennsyl- 
vania politics, and his great experience in political affairs entitled his opinions 
to the greatest possible weight. I never heard a man speak with more feeling 
or in more persuasive accents. He closed his speech with the assertion that the 
nomination of Fremont would not only lose the State of Pennsylvania to the 
republicans, but that the party would be defeated in the presidential election. 
The election verified his prediction, for Pennsylvania voted for Buchanan, 
.and he was elected president in November, 1856. 

All chances for the election of a republican president in 1856 were deliber- 
ately thrown away by the Philadelphia convention, and, it might be said, in 
the face of light and knowledge. In the state of feeling then existing in the 
country, Judge McLean, or any republican statesman of national reputation, 
could have easily been elected. The first time I saw Mr. Dayton, after the 
defeat of the Fremont -and -Dayton ticket, I told him what I believed then, 
and what I believe now, that if the ticket had been reversed he would have 
■been elected president of the United States. 

There was one incident in the convention which is not likely to be forgotten 
by those who were present. William B. Archer was a delegate from Illinois 
to this convention. He had been long in public life, and his residence was at 
Marshall, Clark County, one of the original Wabash counties. Mr. Archer 
commenced his service in the legislature as early as 1824, and served eight 
terms, both as representative and senator; closing his legislative career as a 
member of the house of representatives from Clark County in 1848. He was 
also one of the first canal-commissioners in the State. A man of good educa- 
tion and much intelligence, he was very plain and unpretending in his appear- 
ance; tall and gaunt, and of kindly and genial manners, and always possessing 
great personal popularity; a whig in politics, and with so long a service in the 
legislature he had become a great friend and a passionate admirer of Mr. 
Lincoln. There were between them many points of resemblance, both in 
character and personal appearance. Mr. Archer was a candidate for Congress 
in 1854 against Hon. James C. Allen, who received the certificate. Archer 
contested Allen's seat, but was not admitted. He was made one of the vice- 
presidents of the convention and sat on the platform. When the name of his 
old friend, Mr. Lincoln, was brought forward as candidate for vice-president, 
it was impossible for him to restrain himself. He jumped from his chair at 
least three feet, and gave a whoop which resounded throughout the hall, creat- 
ing great laughter and applause. 



248 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

probable. Mr. Clay told me that the President wishes 
before long to send me abroad. This I shall prefer, but 
would not like to do anything until I am elected again and 
I wish a large majority if it can be had. 

There are several things of yours that I have not had 
time to attend to, but will before long. 

The influenza has had from twenty to forty members of 
Congress in close quarters for some time, I have suffered 
much myself but less than most. I have been able every 
day to be in my seat. I am now nearly free from it. 

I do not write to Julia this week. Let her see this letter 
if you think proper. 

Give my love to Mrs. Edwards, and tell Julia to write to 

me frequently. Yours affectionately, 

Dan'l P. Cook. 
N. Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, 111. 

Washington City, March 6th, 1826. 
Dear Gov.: * * * The debate on the Constitution 
is now progressing, and unless the House become tired of 
it, it will last as long as the Missouri question did. The 
Judiciary Bill is suspended in the Senate, on a report of 
the Committee, recommending the union of Ohio and 
Kentucky in one district, and the States of Missouri, 
Illinois, and Indiana in another. There is much excitement 
on the subject in Ohio and Kentucky. They oppose the 
amendment and say they will defeat the Bill. 

* Very few people of the present day are aware of the unavailing effort that 
Judge Nathaniel Pope made at this time to become judge of the circuit court 
of the new circuit <--hen proposed to be established. 



LETTERS OF DAN L P. COOK. 2^.9 

Pope is here working away for the Judgeship, but every- 
thing is in a state of uncertainty. 

Truly, yours, 

D. P. Cook. 
Hon. N, Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF DANIEL P. COOK TO JULIA COOK. 
Washington City, March 25th, 1826. 

My Dear Wife: * * * You will see that this 
letter is so far for your father, and I write to you and him 
together to save time which in this busy period is im- 
portant. I continue very well and your last letter telling 
me that you and John* are also well, and that he can walk 
adds to my good spirits, and the only drawback on them 
is that I do not expect to be at home before the middle of 
June or thereabout. The business of the Country is such 
that an honest attention to it, will not allow us to adjourn 
before the first of that month or thereabout. I hope you 
will have removed to Edwardsville by the first of June if 
you intend to go during the summer. It is my firm inten- 
tion to bring you on with me next winter, and with that 
purpose expressed you will, with the advice of your father 
be able to decide whether you will go there or not. 

Give my love to your mother and all the family. 

Kiss my boy and take good care of him. 

Your affectionate husband, 

D. P. Cook. 

* The boy "John" referred to, is General John Cook, who was the only son 
and only child of Daniel P. Cook. 



250 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO 
HENRY EDDY* 

Belleville, June 29th, 1826. 
Dear Eddy: — I have just returned from a tour into 
the Military tract, having passed through Bond, Mont- 
gomery, Sangamo, Morgan, Green, and Madison, and it 
really does appear to me that I shall get immense majori- 
ties through the whole of these counties. The public senti- 

* Governor Edwards was at this time making his canvass for governor, 
which was one of the ablest and most successful canvasses ever made in the 
State. A most powerful combination was made against him by all the odds 
and ends of the different factions, but single-handed and alone he met and 
vanquished them all.' My old friend, the late Dr. Horatio Newhall of Galena, 
who in his early life lived in Southern Illinois, and who knew Governor Ed- 
wards well, often told me that he was one of the most successful canvassers 
he ever knew. He completely reversed the mode of electioneering at that 
day. He did not deem it necessary to put on ragged clothes, wear a dirty 
shirt, drink whisky, and go unshaven, in order to obtain the votes of the 
people. Dressed in the highest style of the fashion of the day, with his 
broadcloth coat and ruffled shirt, driven in his carriage by his colored coach- 
man, the very people who it was supposed would vote against him, became 
his friends, and considered it a high honor to have the privilege of voting for 
such a high-toned and elegant gentleman. 

The two principal candidates at this election for governor were Ninian 
Edwards and Thomas Sloo, Jr. Sloo was a prominent man of his time, and 
a resident of Hamilton County. He was a member of the Senate in what is 
known as the "Convention Legislature" in 1822-24, a convention man, and a 
pro-slavery man. He was also a member of the Senate in the succeeding 
legislature, 1824-26. The contest was practically narrowed down to Edwards 
and Sloo. Adolphus Frederick Hubbard of Shawneetown, who was lieuten- 
ant-governor at the time Edward Coles was governor, and who attempted to 
usurp the gubernatorial office while Governor Coles was absent from the State, 
took the stump as an independent candidate. He only received an insignifi- 
cant number of votes — 563 in all. William Kinney ran on the ticket with 
Sloo for lieutenant-governor, while Samuel H. Thompson was on the ticket 
with Edwards for lieutenant-governor. Kinney was elected over Thompson 
by a plurality of 336 votes. The contest between Edwards and Hoo was a 
very close one — Edwards only coming out seventy votes ahead of Sloo. In 
the interest of the history of that election, the vote in detail of all the coun- 
ties in the State at that time is given : 



VOTE FOR GOVERNOR IN 1 826. 



251 



State Vote, third election, First Monday 



Counties. 

Adams, - 

Alexander, 

Bond, 

Clark, 

Calhoun, 

Clay, 

Clinton, 

Crawford, 

Edgar, 

Edwards, 

Fayette, 

Franklin, 

Fulton, 

Gallatin, 

Green, 

Hamilton, 

Jackson, 

Jefferson, 

Johnson, 

Lawrence, 

Madison, 

Marion, - 

Monroe, 

Montgomery. 

Morgan, 

Peoria, - 

Pike, - 

Pope, 

Randolph, 

Sangamon, 

Schuyler, - 

St. Clair, 

Union, 

Vermilion, 

Wabash, 

Washington, 

Wayne, 

White, - 



^— Governor : N 

Ninian Thomas 

Edwards. Sloo, Jr. 

23 - - 59 ■ 
93 - 5o 

104 - - 57 ■ 

55 " 9o 

73 - 
2 - 58 

95 - - 95 ■ 

180 - 200 
237 - - 41 ■ 
185 - 1 

70 - - 222 ■ 
90 - 198 

76 - 60 
380 - 285 

406 - - 210 - 

6 - 279 

137 - - 148 ■ 
60 - in 

95 - - 64 ■ 
217 - 157 

5i3 - - 252 ■ 
34 " 43 

152 - - 189 - 
80 - 75 

33o - -381 
239 - 106 

4 - - 126 
64 - 6 

189 - - 294 
724 - 303 

9 - - 52 ■ 
349 - 427 

172 - - 284 
32 - 162 

283 - - 21 ■ 

63 - 3 1 

41 - - 171 - 

181 - 455 



in August (7), 1826. 

^-Lieut. -Governor :-~ N 
William Samuel H. 

Kinney. Thompson. 

9 - - 69 

7i ,- 59 

67 - - 198 

20 - 4 

31 - - 41 

2 - 11 

105 - - 75 

205 - 135 

88 - - 86 

125 - 5i 

190 - - 168 
257 - 68 

13 - - in 
398 - 327 
252 - - 325 
204 - 68 
209 - - 54 
120 - 50 

75 - 
127 - 202 

354 - - 374 
44 - 34 

189 - - 124 
73 - 68 

202 - - 432 
47 - 247 

83 - - 55 
49 - 18 

340 - - 133 
309 - 688 

14 - - 31 
486 - 262 
281 - - 152 

40 - 34 

16 - - 282 

40 - 49 

198 - - 59 

423 - 238 



Total, - 6043 5973 5754 

For Governor, Adolphus F. Hubbard received 563 votes, 
ernor, James Adams received 262 votes. 



5388 
For Lieut. -Go v- 
Total vote of State, 12,579. 



252 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

ment is so strong and unequivocal in my favor that I can- 
not believe opposition would be persevered in, if it were not 
intended to make some attack upon me, or resort to some 
stratagem against me too late to be fairly met. As I shall 
have afforded my enemies fair opportunities of meeting me 
face to face in all except three very small counties, the 
meanness of their stratagems must be the more obvious. 
But my situation gives them the advantage if resorting to 
them. I have already been attacked during my absence 
in the Vandalia and Kaskaskia papers. To-morrow again 
I leave home, having appointments to address the people 
in different counties till the 22d July. No doubt my ab- 
sence will again be taken advantage of. I am going down 
the Mississippi, up the Ohio, &c. 

Truly yours, 

N. Edwards. 
Henry Eddy, Esq., 

Shawneetown. 



In the contest between Coles and Phillips for governor four years previous, 
Coles only had a plurality of fifty votes over Phillips. 

Henry Eddy was an early lawyer at Shawneetown, and a man of ability and 
high character. He was a whig in politics, and always in a minority at that 
time in that part of the State. I do not recollect that he ever held any poli- 
tical office. He was elected judge in 1835, but resigned the position a few 
weeks thereafter. T well recollect meeting him when attending the Supreme 
Court at Springfield, between 1844 and 1849. He was a clean-cut, intelli- 
gent, and agreeable gentleman, and much preferred being a good lawyer than 
a poor politician. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Letter of Duff Green; suggests that Daniel P. Cook be sent as 
minister to Colombia: letter of John Marshall of Shawneetown; 
expresses deep feeling at the defeat of Daniel P. Cook; con- 
siders Gov. Edwards partially responsible for the result; admon- 
ishes the governor " that prudence is as necessary to success as 
talents"; letter of Duff Green; intelligent outline of the politi- 
cal outlook when the letter was written; Mr. Clay's visit to 
Kentucky an "abortion"; letter of N. Edwards to Henry Clay; 
explains the defeat of Mr. Cook for Congress; uncommitted in 
regard to the presidential election ; letter of S. Simpson; inter- 
esting speculations on the subject of the presidential election; 
letter of N. Edwards to Henry J. Mills; disdains the aid of 
combinations and defies their power; letter of Duff Green; 
presidential speculations; letter of Sidney Breese; his modest 
ambition at that time ; another letter of Gov. Edwards to Henry 
J. Mills, in respect of the investigation of the official conduct 
of the officers of the branch bank at Edwardsville ; letter of 
Daniel Webster to William Wirt; letter of Joseph M. Street; 
his description of Peoria in 1827 ; Mr. Street an early settler in 
Shawneetown; large number of prominent citizens of Illinois 
who resided in that town in an early day. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN.* 

Lexington, ist Sept., 1826. 
DEAR SIR: — I have just seen John Pope, he is now well 
convinced that it will not do for him to separate from the 

* The Anderson referred to, was at that time our minister plenipotentiary 
to Colombia. He was not dead at the time this letter was written, but died 
two months subsequently. It does not appear that Mr. Cook was an appli- 
cant for this position. 



254 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

great body of his friends in the West. He approves of the 
idea suggested in my last and intends to take the first 
opportunity offered in his official station to show his colors 
and enter the lists. I hear that Anderson is dead. Let 
Cook write immediately to Mr. Adams and demand as 
matter of right that he be appointed his successor. Mr. 
Adams will scarce deny him and if nominated I will rely 
upon Calhoun and my friends in the Senate to get him 
through without opposition. You however must take your 
stand on the amendment. 

The mail is closing. Yours, sincerely, 

D. Green. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF JOHM MARSHALL* 

Shawneetown, 2rid Sept., 1826. 
Dear Sir : * * * The defeat of Mr. Cook forbids 

* John Marshall was the president of the Shawneetown bank, an able man. 
and quite prominent in his time. He never appears to have been in public 
life in this State, but was elected to the first House of Representatives from 
Gallatin County in 1818, but resigned his seat. The political portion of his 
letter to Governor Edwards is only part published. He writes under the 
empire of a good deal of feeling in regard to the defeat of Daniel P. Cook 
for Congress, which he regarded " as a death-blow, not only to him and his 
friends, but to the character and best interests of the State. " This shows the 
deep hold which Mr. Cook then had on men of the character of Mr. Marshall. 
He seems to have thought that Mr. Cook suffered from the manner in which 
Governor Edwards made his gubernatorial canvass in that year (1826). He 
very frankly tells the governor so, and expresses his astonishment that he was 
elected, and as an old friend admonishes him " that prudence is as necessary to 
success and often more so than talents." Mr. Marshall was mistaken; it was 
the management of Governor Edwards in his canvass, and the position .he 
took with regard to the State banks, and other questions of interest to the 
people, that secured his triumphant election. 



LETTER OF J. MARSHALL. 255, 

that I should congratulate you on your success. I had his 
election more at heart than all the rest. The mortifica- 
tion I feel at his defeat receives but little alleviation by 
your success, for I look upon it as a death-blow not only to 
him and his friends but to the character and best interests 
of the State. On the first appearance of Tyro I anticipated 
the storm that was to follow and immediately addressed 
the paper containing it to you at Vienna. I was not 
mistaken, it was a fatal storm. You must be aware now 
that the freedom with which you commented on the 
management of the finances, State Bank, &c, however just 
was nevertheless very impolitick. It arrayed almost every 
man that had been in the Legislature since 1821 and all 
the Bank and Circuit Court interest against you, which, by 
a little management aided by the cry of "a family of rulers" 
was unfortunately brought to bear on Mr. Cook. On 
viewing the ground, over which you have traveled, it is 
matter of astonishment that you were elected at all. I am 
sure no man could have succeeded two years ago on it. 
What's past may afford a lesson for the future, and let your 
old friend just add by way of conclusion that prudence is 
as necessary to success, and often more so, than talents. 

Truly, yours, 

J. Marshall. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



256 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF DUFF GREEN * 

Louisville, 6th Sept., 1826. 
Dear Sir: — It was with great regret I left Illinois with- 
out seeing you, the more so as I had a particular and 
confidential message to you from some of your old political 
friends. I however had a long conversation with Mr. 
Mitchel, and explained to him my view of the course you 
ought to take. You are now pledged at the proper time 
to come out against Mr. Crawford. The public expect it at 
your hands. It would seem to me that your best way 
would be to wait the rising of the coming storm. I shall 
endeavor to explain Mr. Clay's policy towards the Craw- 
ford party and prepare all Gen'l Jackson's friends to 
receive your exposition of Mr. Crawford's conduct toward 
you. I shall do this by proving that Mr. Clay's great 
object was to conciliate Crawford's friends under the hope 
that he would either die or be excluded from the house; in 
which case with his (Crawford's) interest and the form of 
bargain he would secure his own election. The friends of 
Jackson are prepared to receive my exposition of this sub- 
ject and that will prepare them for yours. If Jackson 
triumphs you will find him your friend. I have seen him 
and conversed with him, and I know that he thinks better 
of Mr. Cook than of any of the party who voted against 
him, and he believes that that vote was given against your 
advice. It requires but little reflection to satisfy my mind 
that Jackson and Jackson's friends are the only persons on 

* This letter of Duff Green is a wonderfully intelligent outline of the politi- 
cal outlook at that time by one of the most shrewd and far-seeing political 
managers of that period. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 257 

whom you can rely for that moral triumph which I know 
will be more gratifying to you and to your real friends 
than political elevation. In Mr. Calhoun you have a warm, 
consistent friend and advocate. You are not expected to 
take an active part, your present situation would forbid it, 
but there are indications which may sufficiently identify 
you with the Jackson interest of your State and which you 
will excuse me for saying ought not to be omitted. Jack- 
son's prospects of success are daily growing better and 
better. There is a movement now making in New York, 
which will be almost certain to give him much the largest 
part of that State, perhaps all, for it is by no means certain 
that the electoral law will remain as it is. Clinton is known 
to be prepared to take part with Jackson, he is already 
spoken of as Vice President, and I know that many of Mr. 
Calhoun's friends would prefer to see him in the house. 
How could the administration resist such a combination, 
borne to the earth as they are with the weight of their 
iniquitous contract ? They can not. You will find Ohio 
true, and that Mr. Adams will be left with New England. 
Under such a state of things your course must accord with 
your feelings and if you take occasion of your first message 
to identify yourself with the people by recommending an 
amendment of the Constitution you are safe. 

You may feel assured that you will lose nothing by my 
removal to the city; that affectionate kindness with which 
I have always regarded you is not abated and next to my 
own immediate family I shall always rejoice to serve you. 
I know that you think me sanguine, but my means of 
information are good and I can form as correct conclusions 
17 



258 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

as any other Sanguine man. I have been seldom much 

deceived in the people and it is the people who are now, 

in a voice of thunder, commanding their leaders to their 

posts. 

The old and new Court question is already lost in this 

State. There was but one paper in the State in favor of 

Jackson during the late election — The Advertiser. There 

soon will be two in Louisville, one in Frankfort (The 

Argus), two in Lexington, one in Columbia, and one is 

contemplated in Bowling Green. There are also now one 

in Paris and one in Mt. Sterling, and I am induced to 

believe there will be one in George Town and one in 

Danville. The new Court, with scarce one exception, are 

for Jackson and the strong men of the old Court party are 

more than divided in his favor. Mr. Clay's visit to the 

state was a complete abortion. William Pope travelled in 

company with him, and no one would have known that it 

was Mr. Clay except by his dejection. No parades, no 

visits, no marked attention except by a few interested 

personal friends in Lexington and a few politicians in two 

or three other places. You may rest assured that he is as 

low as his worst enemy could wish him to be. 

Yours, sincerely, 

D. Green. 
Write to me fully, it will be safe. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 259 

LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO 
HENRY CLAY* 

Belleville, Illinois, 21st September, 1826. 
DEAR Sir: — However much we may have sometimes 
differed in politics, and notwithstanding I have been injuri- 
ously affected by your course in one particular instance, I 
have ever regarded you as a magnanimous foe and generous 
friend. And while I have nothing to charge you with that 
was not fairly allowable on political considerations, I can 
not forget that I am indebted to you for some acts of 
friendship, which entitle you to my gratitude. Though 
this consideration might not be sufficient to control my 
political sentiments or even predelictions, I can assure you, 
I must undergo a radical change, if it will not always 
restrain me from partaking or co-operating in that species 
of hostility which you are daily encountering. I have 
fairly, openly and as efficiently as I could, opposed your 
views, when I did not approve of them. I should probably 
do so again under similar circumstances, for I would not 
exchange the consciousness of independence for the best 
boon that any administration ever had the power to bestow. 
And hence it is that, while I am always ready to listen to 
the advice, I never have permitted the opinions or wishes 
of my best friends to control me against my own convic- 
tions, nor do I believe I ever shall do so. In any opposi- 

* This letter, written only a short time after Mr. Edwards had been elected 
governor, contains a frank exposition of the sentiments of Governor Edwards 
in respect of Mr. Clay and the presidential question generally. Quite a large 
portion of the letter is devoted to an explanation of the defeat of Mr. Cook 
for Congress, at the same election at which Governor Edwards was elected 
governor. 



260 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

tion to you however, as I never have, so I never expect to 
predicate it upon any want of confidence in your honor 
and integrity, or upon any ground inconsistent with a 
high personal regard for you. 

With these frank remarks I take the liberty of addressing 
you confidentially, in regard to matters on which it is 
natural to expect you to feel some desire to be correctly 
informed. 

You have doubtless long since heard of Mr. Cook's de- 
feat, and seen it repeatedly attributed to the predominancy 
of Gen'l Jackson's interest in this State. But although 
the Genl's interest is considerable, and was not without its 
effect upon Mr. Cook's election, I can assure you it is very 
far from being predominant, at this time, and it never can 
be so if his most influential friends continue to oppose our 
canal. For this measure has been so long ridden by our 
politicans as a hobby, and the people have been taught to 
expect so much from it, that no man could sustain him- 
self in this State, and oppose it, or even support any dis- 
tinguished individual suspected of opposition to it. 

How then, you may ask, did Mr. Cook lose his election? 
I will tell you. Both he and his friends felt too secure. 
None of them, with the exception of myself, could be 
induced to believe there was the least danger. His 
opponent did nothing else for many months previously, 
but ride through the State and visit the people at their 
own houses. Mr. Cook was confined by sickness and could 
only visit very few counties. The greatest possible efforts 
were made to turn to both his and my disadvantage the 
circumstance of the father-in-law and the son-in-law being 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 26 1 

before the people at the same time, for the two highest 
offices in their gift. But the circulation of thousands of 
handbills ingeniously contrived to produce the impression 
that both he and I had voted against the reduction of the 
price of public land, at a period too late to be answered or 
counteracted, had far more influence than all other con- 
siderations united. A strong proof that his defeat was not 
produced by his vote on the Presidential election is to be 
found in the fact, that in the strong Jackson counties (as 
they are called) which he visited he obtained majorities. 
Gallatin, Pope, Green, and Morgan are amongst the coun- 
ties most highly distinguished by their partiality to Gen'l 
Jackson, and there are no four counties in the State that 
would yield so large a majority, yet Mr. Cook obtained 
decided majorities in all of them, while in some of the 
strongest administration counties he got scarcely any sup- 
port. Neither Mr. Cook's friends nor his foes believed that 
he would be defeated. The result has surprised every- 
body. The people are already disabused in regard to the 
land vote, a powerful reaction has already taken place, and 
very many that opposed him are anxious that he should 
become a candidate for the Senate. Should he do so, I 
think his election beyond all doubt. 

As to myself, I had to encounter all the opposition of 
the great body of the Jackson interest, and to tell you the 
truth (for I feel no motive to conceal anything of the kind) 
I used all the policy in my power, and freely subjected 
myself to great risk, to force all my opponents to come out 
on that side of the question. You may think this strange, 
but I will not conceal that my object was to place myself 



262 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

in an attitude that would throw the balance of power into 
my own hands. And in this, if I have any judgment at all, 
I have completely succeeded. My enemies are committed. 
If I choose to join them, we could succeed. On the other 
hand, I have already proved myself too strong for their 
combined operations, and am now in a situation to increase 
my strength. Both for the misrepresentation of my votes 
concerning the public land which I had no opportunity to 
contradict, I should have received and could now obtain 
two-thirds of all the votes of the State. It is utterly false 
that I owed my election in the slightest degree to my for- 
bearance, or any kind of temporising in regard to the 
candidates for the Presidency, or any other kind of tem- 
porising. On the contrary, I openly declared that I would 
reserve to myself the right to vote for or oppose whom I 
pleased, and bid defiance to all kind of opposition. 

In regard to the Presidential election I am entirely 
uncommitted, and it is my candid opinion that I shall 
remain so. So long as some of the Jackson papers con- 
tinue to assail me, as they have done, and are now doing, 
my pride would never suffer me to be led into any kind of 
co-operation with them. And so long as Mr. Adams' 
officers are permitted imprudently to use his own declara- 
tions, and conduct to my disadvantage in my own State as 
is done in the accompanying handbill, though it may not 
drive me from neutrality, I never will enlist under his 
banners. Some of his warmest friends however have more 
cause of complaint against the author of this handbill. 
And I am persuaded that the time is at hand, when the 
wisdom of Mr. Jefferson's course in regard to the patronage 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 263 

of the administration must become too obvious to be any 

longer neglected. * * * 

Ninian Edwards. 
Hon. Henry Clay. 



LETTER OF S. SIMPSON* 
[private.] 
Philadelphia, Sept. 22nd, 1826. 

DEAR Sir: — I yesterday received from Mr. Mitchell, 
Post-Master of Belleville, a $5 note, being the balance 
of your subscription to the late " Observer," for which 
accept my acknowledgement. 

Allow me to felicitate you upon your late election, which 
I sincerely hope may be repeated, until you again come 
within the circle of our National Politicks. 

You cannot have forgotten my opposition to Mr. Adams. 
It is purely on political principles, and it has no particle of 
personal ill-will, or low malice, which I hope I am incap- 
able of feeling. 

Mr. Adams's magnanimity and forbearance, in regard to 
non-removals from office, excites my astonishment. He 
-still retains his enemy W. Bache in the Post office here, 
although his official bad character would of itself warrant 
his instant removal. W. Bache is a determined friend to 
Mr. Calhoun. I marvel that Mr. Clay is not more on the 
qui vive, in this respect. But the Post Master General, I 
am told, is a Jacksonian. This policy not only places 
weapons in the hands of Mr. Adams's foes, but it takes 

* Although it was two years to the presidential election, this letter is full of 
interesting speculations upon this subject. 



264 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

weapons out of the hands of his friends, or rather keeps 
them out. 

The General will surely be successful in 1829, by a vote 
of the Colleges, unless Mr. Clinton should stand, to whom 
I am friendly even before the General. How will your 
State vote? For Mr. Adams, it is said. Pennsylvania is 
yet not settled. Future events must decide her vote. 

I have the honor to be, Sir, 

Very resp'y, your ob't servant, 

S. Simpson. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO 
HENRY J. MILLS* 

Vandalia, 26th Dec, 1826. 
Dear Sir: — In vindicating the rights of the people, and 
advocating a thorough and radical reform, as I have done, 
I was well aware that I should have much and formidable 
personal opposition to encounter, but this consideration has 
not hitherto prevented, nor shall it hereafter deter me from 
discharging what I believe to be my duty. The interests 
of the people have been sacrificed, and they themselves 
unnecessarily burdened with taxes, in all the instances 
which I have pointed out, either in my public addresses to 
them, or in my late address to the legislature. They had 
a right, from the former, to expect in me, a bold and fear- 

* This letter of Ninian Edwards to Henry J. Mills sufficiently explains it- 
self. Mr. Mills was at that time a member of the lower house of legislature 
from Edwards County. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 265 

less advocate of reform, and they shall not be disappointed. 
Disdaining the aid of combinations and defying their 
power, I acknowledge no responsibility, but to the people, 
and look to them alone for support. It is quite natural 
that those who have profited by the measures requiring 
reform, should be dissatisfied with the changes I advocate. 
My policy interferes with schemes that are adverse to the 
interests of the honest farmers and mechanics of the 
country. And whenever the people shall fail to second 
my exertions to lessen their burdens and promote their 
interest, I shall be ready to surrender into their hands the 
high station which they have done me the honor to confer 
upon me. 

As you heard a full and explicit exposition of my senti- 
ments delivered to the people of your own county, and 
afterwards honored me with your support, I thought I had 
good reason both to regard you as a friend, and to hope 
that the general course of policy I advocated in your 
presence had received your approbation. It is therefore 
with sincere regret that I learn you have been informed 
that I had threatened that you should never return to this 
place, as a member of the legislature, if you gave certain 
votes in regard to the Circuit system; and that you, taking, 
as I suppose, this statement for the truth, had declared 
that if my election were now depending I should not get a 
vote in your county. 

I must be permitted to say that I think it was due to 
the relations of friendship subsisting between us that you 
should have apprized me of this statement before you 
determined to adopt it as the foundation of hostility to me. 



266 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Viewing it however, as the result of a strategem to deceive 
you, and to injure me, and declaring to you that I have 
never, for a moment, entertained any other than sentiments 
of respect and friendship towards you, I beg leave to ask 
the name of your author. 

Very respectfully, I am, Sir, your most ob't s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Henry J. Mills, Esq. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Washington, 29th Dec, 1826. 

DEAR Sir: — I suppose that Mr. Cook keeps you notified 
of the administration movements (so far as he learns them). 
As yet parties are moving slowly to a concert of action on 
both sides. The politics of New York and some pending 
elections of Senators and Representatives have great 
influence upon the surface. Yet there is a mine under 
those in power which will soon explode. The abortion of 
the Panama Mission, and the loss of our Colonial trade 
will have its influence as the pretext upon which some will 
desert over. 

In New York, Clinton wishes to offer himself; he would 
gladly come in as second best, but can not find the way 
open. If we were to take up either Clinton or Van Buren 
it would throw the conflicting interest upon the opposing 
scale and might preponderate against us; as it is, the posi- 
tion now assumed by Clinton will compel him to join 
Van Buren in support of Jackson, and those best informed 
on the politics of New York give us 24 of the 36 votes. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 267 

You will soon hear of the re-election of Gen'l Smith in 
Maryland and whether or not he will be compelled to take 
sides against the administration on account of the Colonial 
trade. It is probable that P. P. Barbour will be sent to 
the Senate in the place of Randolph, but Virginia is 
admitted to be with us. 

You enquire about Mr. Calhoun's vote on your canal bill. 
It is well understood here that Mr. Calhoun has not 
abandoned his ground on the great question of internal 
improvement. His vote upon the survey of the road to 
Philadelphia and the deep interest he took in the proposed 
Florida canal and in your canal prove this. In relation to 
your foreseeing that he might be called on to give a casting 
vote, he spoke to the Chairman of the Committee in the 
Senate and to a Senator, Mr. Kane, from your State, and 
advised an amendment to the bill which would enable him 
to vote for it. It was thought that the bill having passed 
the house upon the memorial of the Legislature it was 
better to risk its passage. 

Mr. Calhoun's objections to the bill, it is understood, 

were that, if the United States gave the means to make 

your canal the other States ought to have an interest in it. 

The bill proposed to give the land, a common fund, and 

make the canal exclusively a state work. 

Yours, sincerely, 

D. Green. 
(Have this published in justice to Mr. C.) 

Gov. Edwards, 

Vandalia, 111. 



268 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE.* 

Washington City, Jan. 31, 1827. 
Dear Sir: — I have read with much pleasure your in- 
augural address to the Legislature and concur with you in 
many of your views and opinions. I see also that the 
Legislature have adopted some of the measures you pro- 
posed — this is as it should be. A co-operation of the 
Legislature in the beneficial attempts of the Executive is 
very desirable and must be promotive of the public in- 
terest. I regret very much that my business has rendered 
my absence from home necessary at this, I may call it, 
eventful crisis in our State affairs, and that I have been 
prevented from contributing my mite in the great work of 
political reform. I allude alone to our State affairs. I 
hope the Legislature will do much good, and correct the 
manifold abuses that have crept in and gained footing in 
our State. I see they have repealed the law establishing 
circuit courts; this is right and was demanded by the 
people. I was fearful there would be found a majority in 
the Senate who would have the hardihood to resist the 
people's will in this particular. I suppose some change 
will be made in relation to circuit attorneys. As there 
are but four circuits now, one of two things must take 
place, either to make the office of Att'y Gen'l separate 

* This letter of Judge Breese was written to Governor Edwards during 
his term of service. It was a modest ambition, that of Mr. S. Breese, at 
this time. Though nominated for the position of United States district attor- 
ney, if some changes could be made, he preferred the office of prosecuting 
attorney in some of the circuits of the State. At the time of writing this 
letter, Mr. Breese probably had little thought that he would be one of Gov. 
Edwards' successors as U. S. senator. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 269 

and distinct, or dismiss one of the circuit attorneys. 
Should the latter be determined on, I trust, sir, my 
claims to being retained will not be overlooked. I am 
the oldest Cir. Att'y except Gen'l Robinson, and if you 
have the appointments I apprehend you will scarcely ap- 
point him to my exclusion. It is true that I have been 
nominated by the Pres't to the office of District Att'y in 
place of Mr. Hardin, but the Senate may not confirm it. 
If they do confirm, I cannot determine until I return home, 
whether I will accept it or not. If some changes are made 
in the office of Cir. Att'y I should prefer it, for it is worth 
twice as much as that of D. Att'y. I leave the matter 
entirely to you, sir, and if you think I have claims to be- 
ing retained or renominated if that should be necessary I 
trust, sir, they will be duly considered, and that I, tho' 
absent, will not be lost sight of. Mr. Cook's health is im- 
proving. It is said he will be sent to Colombia. God 
send he may — he deserves that and more. The Bankrupt 
Bill was rejected a day or two since, and a motion to re- 
consider has prevailed. It may pass without the 93d sec- 
tion which is considered objectionable as it extends the 
benefits of the Bill to persons other than traders. I have 
nothing new to communicate. No step has been taken 
for the benefit of our State. Our Senators are lying on 
their oars, and our Representative has more than, in his 
present state of health, he ought to attend to. 

With respect, I remain, sir, y. ob'tly, 

Sidney Breese. 



270 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
HENRY J. MILLS* 

February 9, 1827. 

Sir : — As, in your letter of the 29th ult. you requested 
me, "to furnish the select committee, charged to enquire 
into the official conduct of the late President, Directors, 
and Cashier of the Branch Bank of Edwardsville, with a 
list of the witnesses to support the charges embraced in 
my messages against those officers," I will add to the 
list already communicated according to that request, the 
names of Mr. Thomas J. McGuire, and the Hon. The- 
ophilus W. Smith, as witnesses on that part of my com- 
munication to the House, which alleges, that, there is reason 
to believe that, the loan to Thomas J. McGnirc was some- 
what connected with the establishment of a press at Ed- 
wardsville; that, Mr. Kinney, the President of the Branch, 
advanced money to buy the press ; that, Mr. McGuire ob- 
tained his loan to reimburse Mr. Kinney ; and that there 
is too much reason to believe that the interest of the people of 
the State zvas overlooked in providing the means of reim- 
bursing Mr. Kinney, the amount advanced by him for the 
press. 

It is believed that Mr. McGuire can prove that Mr. 
Kinney advanced him $1000 to buy the press alluded to;, 
that his, Mr. McGuire's, loan was obtained to reimburs< 

* This is the same Mr. Mills to whom Governor Edwards wrote the letter 
of December 26th, 1826, as previously published. This letter, it will be 
seen, is in respect of the investigation by the House of Representatives of 
charges against the official conduct of the president, directors, and cashier of 
the branch bank at Edwardsville, embraced in the messages of Governor 
Edwards to the Legislature. 



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LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 2? I 

Mr. Kinney, that it was so appropriated; and that in con- 
sequence thereof Mr. Kinney gave up to Mr. McGuire the 
note which the latter gave for the money borrowed as 
aforesaid. 

It is also believed that the Hon. Theophilus W. Smith 
can prove, besides all these facts, that Mr. Kinney, as 
President of the Bank, concurred in granting the loan to 
Mr. McGuire, knowing at the time that it was intended for 
his, Mr. Kinney's, benefit, as aforesaid. 

I also refer the committee to the certificates of Mr. 
Smith's acknowledgement of his mortgage, and of his 
affidavit of the value of the mortgaged property as afford- 
ing proof in regard to that matter, which can scarcely be 
misunderstood. Very respectfully, I am, sir, 

Y'r mo. ob. s't, 

N in ian Edwards, 

Henry J. Mills, Esq., Chairman, &c. 



LETTER OF DANIEL WEBSTER TO 
WILLIAM WIRT* 

Senate U. S., Mar. 22. 
Dear Sir: — I send back the papers rec'd from you r 
with an opinion, at foot of a copy of the case, which I 
have had made out. If I am wrong, send me word, and 
I will do, as we do here, reconsider. 

You will see I am plump enough. Y'rs, always truly, 
Mr. Wirt. D. Webster. 

* Governor Edwards, through Mr. Wirt, had applied to Mr. Webster for a 
legal opinion in 1827. Mr. Wirt was then attorney-general under Mr. Adams, 
and Mr. Webster a United States senator from Massachusetts. The letter 
was transmitted through Mr. Wirt to Governor Edwards, and is printed here 
as found among his papers. The letter is lithographed. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Letter of Gen. Joseph M. Street; writes from his residence in Shaw- 
neetown; description of a visit to Peoria; badly in want of an 
office ; foresees the great advantage of the canal ; prominent 
men who have resided at Shawneetown ; letter of George For- 
quer, the half-brother of Gov. Thomas Ford; Forquer and Daniel 
P. Cook lay out the town of Waterloo, in Monroe County ; For- 
quer a member of the legislature from that county; resigns to 
become secretary of state under Gov. Coles; senator from San- 
gamon County in 1832; elected attorney-general of the State in 
1829; letter of Duff Green; bad state of health of Daniel P. 
Cook ; his projected voyage to Cuba ; Green's speculations 
about presidential candidates; another letter of Joseph M. Street; 
Jones, "White, Eddy, McLean; yet another letter of Mr. Street; 
had been on a visit to Cumberland College, Princeton, Kentucky; 
his brother-in-law, Maj. Posey; criticism of Eddy's paper; call 
of the legislature unpopular; the administration of Adams reign- 
ing triumphant at Shawneetown ; few Jackson men to be found 
anywhere; describes a political discussion in Kentucky between 
Henry and Lyon, candidates for Congress. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

Shawaneetown, March 30th, 1827. 
My Dear SIR: — On Wednesday I returned from my 
first visit to Peoria. I cannot well convey to you my en- 
tire disappointment, at this distance. The whole country, 
as now cut down, contains about 30 or 40 men, and in its 
best estate, the whole docket does not exhibit 30 cases. 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 273 

There is nothing doing on land, and less on the water — if 
such comparison is admissible. The harbour and town 
site is the best I presume in all the Western country; but 
not one sail enlivens the monotonous prospect, or oar dips 
into the "dark blue waves" of the fairy lake, from one 
year's end to the other — if you except the ferry-boat, with 
now and then the canoe of a few miserable, tawny savages 
in quest of a dram. When I crossed, the river was high 
and the country on this side was inundated for half or ^ 
•of a mile, — the whole eastern shore of the lake from its 
head to its foot is one extended impassable marsh except 
at a point just above the narrows, called the mouth of 
10-mile creek. This must render the place very sickly — 
and enquiry amongst the few wretched inhabitants, con- 
firms my opinion previously formed on the view of the 
opposite shore. On this side (east) the country is poor, 
very broken, and uncommonly sterile for 6 or 7 miles, and 
on the back, or west of Peoria after you leave the plain at 
the foot of the bluff one mile and a half from the lake, 
the land is poor interspersed with little basins of water in 
the open prarie to Kickapoo creek, and extending across 
reaches a distance of 8 or 10 miles. Out of this general 
view is to be excepted the rich woods, a little tract of 800 
or 1000 acres, and some small uninundated bottoms at the 
creek. There is no timber or fire-wood nearer than 2y 2 
to 3 miles. There is a narrow strip of good land extend- 
ing from one mile above the narrows (say 5 miles above 
Peoria) to the head of the lake, a distance of about 14 or 
5 miles, and varying from yi to 2]/ 2 miles. This binds 
on the western shore of the lake and reaches to the foot 
18 






274 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

of the bluffs which overhangs them at the heighth of about 
60 or 70 feet. This is the country, and a view of the re- 
sources and present prospects has been hinted at and par- 
tially detailed. Upon this view what is your opinion, my 
friend? What should I do here? Or how could I do? 
It is true there is no prospect of getting bread for my 
nitmerous family, but then there is great reason to appre- 
hend they would not long want food at such a place. I 
could have got the county clerkship, but the Recorder's 
office and the Judge of probate, Dixon has determined to 
hold. The other two are not worth 50$ per annum. No, 
not 30$! I cannot possibly go there, and am at an entire 
loss what to do. Surrounded as I am by a large family 
and rather helpless, I am unable to say what I can do to 
maintain them. Old Mrs. Posey lives with me. Had I 
only a family of 3 besides myself, as Gen'l White, I should 
feel no fears (as he seemed to do), but with 12 white persons 
besides myself I have real cause of alarm. However, that 
God who feedeth the young ravens of the valley will pro- 
vide for those who put their trust in Him, and are found 
in the industrious use of the means. I only ask some 
advice from my friends and cannot suffer my active spirit 
to despond. All my friends from Washington write me 
except Mr. Cook. But their compliments were cold as 
the breath from the vases, in Shakespeare's Merchant of 
Venice, were to Morocco. They give no hopes — and almost 
say with the haggard figure, "your suit is cold." Johnson 
alone was warm and feeling — but he has, I fear, but little 
influence. Clay was politely ardent in good zvis/ies, but had 
''but little patronage"; Taliaferro and Barbour felt disposed 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 275 

to "do any thing in their power to serve me;" they "knew 
of nothing at present? What think you of all this? You 
know great men better than I do. Be so good as to give 
me a crumb of comfort if you can, for I fear I shall starve 
amongst this world of high proffered friendship and con- 
sideration. 

I deeply lament that the state of my horse and my 
anxiety to get home to my family denied me the pleasure, 
and I w'd hope the benefit of seeing you. I intended to 
go to your house until the day I left Sangamo. I then 
counted my time and it was too short to permit me to see 
you now. But I will shortly if I go round in a steamboat. 
What could be the reason of Mr. Cook's silence? Did he 
answer you on my application? I hear that Menard has 
the sub-agency. I almost fear I did wrong to say I was 
poor to some to whom I wrote. In returning from Peoria 
(by-the-by my appointment costs me $40) I called on some 
old friends below Springfield, and finding more than I 
knew of staid 10 days in the county, and am highly 
pleased with the place and the people. I was very much 
solicited to settle amongst them, and at last purchased a 
farm 27 miles below Springfield in Sangamon county, 3 
miles from Sangamon River, 12 m. from the mouth of 
Spoon River, on the 111. River, and am now engaged in 
hastening the close of my business here in order to move 
out in September next. The clerkship of Peoria is worth 
nothing — the place at present has no business or attrac- 
tions — and I shall be in the neighborhood of Peoria, in 
the northern section of the State, and ready to assume any 
situation to which through your influence or agency I may 



276 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

be called, for, I now rely on your exertions. In the mean- 
time, if your true friends in other quarters feel disposed as 
/ do to sustain you upon the ground you have assumed, 
and which a great portion of the people approve, let a 
concerted effort be made in the next elections — let men of 
talent and firmness come forward in every county and 
there is no doubt of ultimate and decisive victory, that 
will redound to the honor and prosperity of our State. 
This is a time of immense importance in our State— and 
more peculiarly to the northern section. The General 
Government has made us a grant of land, which, with 
proper management, and a judicious course of measures 
will enable us to commence the canal immediately after 
the next session. I will touch this again hereafter. After 
I determined to remove to Sangamo, Matheny, the clerk, 
offered to sell out to me his office (he is very incompetent), 
but I declined buying. He does not like me so near him 
I find, because he sees I know his incompetency. He dis- 
covered the anxiety of the people for my removal and ap- 
peared astonished at my numerous friends and acquaint- 
ances amongst them. H. Warren is firmly attached to 
you, I find, and. I hope to do him good when I get into 
the county. I can then increase his patronage greatly- 
And, perhaps, render other aid. I wish to hear from you; 
do write me and freely give me your opinion of what I 
have said. I greatly need your advice. I hope White 
and Hargrave may be able to do something at the next 
election here. / think they will. You promised me to 
mention to Judge Lockwood, that if a vacancy occurred 
to give it me. Should one happen in the north, I w'd 



LETTER OE JUS. M. STREET. 277 

hasten there in time with my family. After Sep. I shall 
be certainly in Sangamo. I remain, 

Yours, sincerely, 

Jos. M. Street * 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF JOHN McLEAN.f 

POST-OEFICE Dep't, 2nd April, 1827. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, Belleville, (Illin.) : 

Sir: — Your letter of the 8th ult. is now before me. As 
I am about revising the mail arrangement in your State 
with a view to its improvement; and the contracts in the 
State will all end with this year; it appears to me most 
advisable to continue the present arrangement and not 
make a change in the route proposed in your letter. If, 
however, any important advantages can be realized by the 

* Joseph M. Street was a well-educated and intelligent man, and an early 
settler in the State. His description of Peoria, as it appeared to him at the 
time of writing the letter, is dismal enough. Mr. Street was one of the first 
settlers in Shawneetown, which place became famous for the large number of 
distinguished men who resided there. Among the number may be mentioned 
John McLean, the first member of Congress from this State, and afterward 
United States senator; Thomas C. Browne, so long on the bench as circuit 
and supreme judge; Jeptha Hardin, a well-known circuit judge; John Mar- 
shall, president of the Shawneetown bank; Michael Jones, United States land 
officer at Kaskaskia, member of the State senate in the first legislature from 
Gallatin County, and candidate for United States senate against Governor 
Edwards in 1820; Adolphus E. Hubbard, lieutenant-governor; William J. 
Gatewood, a prominent lawyer, and member of the State senate from Gallatin 
County for many years; Henry Eddy, the ablest lawyer in Souther Illinois in 
his day; and others. Street was a general of militia. 

+ This letter was written by Mr. McLean when postmaster-general to Gov- 
ernor Edwards during his term of office as governor. 



278 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

change you propose, which I do not now perceive, I may 
adopt the improvement before the year closes. 
Respect'y, your ob't s't, 

John McLean. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER * 

Vandalia, April 20, 1827. 

Dear Sir: — I was absent at the Montgomery court 
when your letter came, or the certificate would have been 
forwarded by last mail. The Treasurer is not yet returned, 
the Auditor T have informed of your wishes. 

I hope you will not consider me as obtrusive for saying 
a word or so about the movements in Sangamon relative 
to a call of the Legislature. I fear those people are more 
solicitious about their interest than wise in the selection of 
the means to promote it. If I could suppose that the 

* George Forquer cut a considerable figure in the early history of this State. 
He located in Monroe County, and first, in company with Daniel P. Cook, laid 
out the town of Waterloo. His father having died, his mother married 
Robert Ford, the father of Governor Thomas Ford — hence Ford and Forquer 
were half-brothers. They were both self-made men, and of more than ordi- 
nary ability. 

In 1824, Mr. Forquer was elected to the legislature as a member of the 
house of representatives from Monroe County, and he resigned, to become 
secretary of state under Governor Coles, having been appointed January 17th, 
1825. David Blackwell was the first secretary of state under Governor Coles, 
but he resigned after a short term of service, to have his place filled by the 
appointment of Morris Birkbeck, October 15, 1824. The nomination of Birk- 
beck was rejected by the senate, January 15, 1825, so that he only held the 
office for three months. Birkbeck was one of the founders of Edwards Co., 
an Englishman of ability, education, and wealth. He was one of the most 
powerful writers of his time in the State, and his writings had great influence 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 279 

public good would result from a convention of that body 
I should certainly desire it. But that such a hope is with- 
out foundation is clear from these considerations: 1st. That 
if they should meet shortly they would find themselves 
here destitute of the requisite information to legislate on 
the subject, because it is one about which most of our 
public men have a very limited knowledge, and whatever 
might now be done would be a bare experiment which 
jeopardise the public interest. Two years would give time 
to collect information, to propose plans and discuss them. 
2dly. I believe that the Sangamon people are not the 
prime movers of this matter, though they have taken the 
lead in it. It is known to a certain description of men 
that a number of offices and public employments can be 
carved out of this business. This is the mainspring to 
their patriotic exertions, and this is conceived to be the 
time to reward them by legislative appointments. To 
these, in my opinion, paramount objections to the call, 
add the financial embarrassment of the State, and an 

in causing the rejection by the people of the " Convention Resolution. " For 
this a pro-slavery state senate rejected his nomination as secretary of state. 
Mr. Forquer was appointed in his place. In 1829, he was elected attorney- 
general of the State. Mr. Forquer, having removed to Springfield, was in 
1832 elected to the legislature as a senator from Sangamon County. He was 
afterward appointed register of the land-office at Springfield, and died of con- 
sumption at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1837. Mr. Forquer was a man of more than 
ordinary ability and of a serious character. At the session of the legislature 
in 1832-34, when Mr. Forquer was the senator from Sangamon County, he 
prepared an elaborate report upon internal .improvements, which his half- 
brother, Governer Ford, says, in his history of Illinois, was abler than any 
similar document ever submitted to any of the Western legislatures. It con- 
tained, says the governor, " evidence of vast research, an abundance of facts 
and probable conjectures, and is expressed in language at once pleasing, bril- 
liant and attractive." 



280 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

ample justification will be found for resisting the peti- 
tion of the people of Sangamon. 

Besides this, the responsibility is now fixed upon the 
Legislature for not taking some preparatory steps in rela- 
tion to the matter last winter, the necessity of which was 
repeatedly urged upon them. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 

Illinois. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN * 

Washington, 6th May, 1827. 
DEAR SIR: — Your letter, enquiring after Mr. Cook, is 
received. In relation to him I am at a loss to know what 
to write. He was in bad health during the whole winter. 
Several times confined to his bed. His labors as chairman 
of the committee of ways and means were to much for him, 
and confined him to his room for two weeks before the 
close of the session. Judge McLean (the P. M. G.) kindly 
took him to his house where he was kindly nursed and 
recruited so as to be able to travel. It was the opinion of 
Dr. Holcomb, his attending physician, that his disease was 
temporary and that a sea voyage would restore him to 
health. Judge McLean tells me that he has written to 
you, fully advising you of the terms and circumstances 

* This letter has a mournful interest, as it relates to the health of Mr. Cook. 
It shows further that the great political struggle to take place the next year" 
began very early. Mr. Green's predictions concerning the success of Genera 
Jackson were fully verified. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 28 1 

under which he went out. It was all that Mr. Adams 
could safely do for him and will place him in a situation to 
avail himself of that state of party which he may find upon 
his return to the United States. He expressed a great 
desire to have Mr. Cook with him, but such were the 
circumstances of his appointment that it became necessary 
for him to go out immediately and such was the state of 
his health that he could not well consent to wait. I hope 
you will have heard from him before this reaches you. I 
shall write to him soon. 

My family reached, here on the 13th ult. in tolerable 
health. My prospects are flattering and I consider the 
election of Gen'l Jackson as one of the events most certain. 

I have always known that Illinois and Missouri were 
among the most doubtful States. I am induced to believe 
that the result will give both to Jackson. But such is the 
current of events from that quarter that it will be. impos- 
sible to convince the people of other States that both 
these States are not for Gen'l Jackson. Clinton and Van 
Buren are both openly and avowedly for Jackson. All that 
you hear from the Journal and other prints about Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania are the desperate falsehoods of des- 
pairing men. It is now understood that Mr. Clay is to 
make a tour of Pennsylvania, get up dinners and speeches 
and thus produce an impression of a change in favor of 
the coalition. It won't do. We can give them all the 
newspapers and ten thousand politicians to boot and beat 
them in Pennsylvania. Clinton's influence will now be for 
Jackson in Ohio and will do more for Jackson than Clay 
could do for Adams. Clinton (no doubt) desired to make 



282 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

an impression that Jackson was weak in New Jersey under 
the hope that he would be withdrawn and the New York 
candidate substituted. His message was a bait for Vir- 
ginia and the South, but in all that, he has failed. He 
now has to contend with Van Buren and the struggle will 
be which can do the most for Jackson. 25, if not 30 of the 
votes of New York are calculated on. In Maryland Mr. 
Adams will not get more than one vote if that. 

Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTERS OF JOSEPH M. STREET* 

Westwoodplace, Gallatin County, 
May 1 6th, 1827. 
My Dear Sir: — Think not, that my silence proceeds 
from disrespect, or want of a due sense of gratitude for 
your friendly solicitude in relation to my unfortunate 
pecuniary depressions. Necessity compelled me to take a 
trip to Kentucky during which time your letters were 
received at my house, and were there on my return. I 
sincerely thank you for your attentions at this time, it is 

* Mr. Street's desires were gratified, and he was appointed Indian agent at 
Prairie du Chien. Afterward, at an early day, he had his residence at Cass- 
ville, Grant County, Wis. The Mr. White alluded to, was Leonard White, 
an early settler at the United States salines, and at one time the agent. He 
was a prominent man in Southeastern Illinois, and a member of the senate 
from White County, in the State legislature of 1822-24. At the election for 
United States senator, January 9, 1823, when Jesse B. Thomas was elected 
for the second time, Leonard White received six votes. 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 283 

being a "friend in need" and promptly should I have 
acknowledged their receipt as they came had I been at 
home. When I was in Sangamon I purchased a small 
farm on credit, to be paid in May, and under my depression 
I found a small sum of money harder to raise than I had 
any apprehension of. However I succeeded, and to-morrow 
morning I presume my wife's brother, Wm. C. Posey, will 
set off from my house where he has been for two weeks 
with his family, to his farm near the town of Jacksonville, 
in Morgan County. He was out last summer or fall, and 
purchased an old improved place, with a parcell of sheep 
and some cattle attached to it, put in a crop of wheat, 
engaged his corn to be planted and is now on his way out 
with his family in a carriage and two on horseback, having 
sent all his moveables by a steamboat to St. Louis, from 
whence he intends waggoning them up to Morgan. By 
Mr. Posey I send out the money to pay for the place I 
purchased in full, and this summer I shall remove to it, if 
no better thing can be done. Of one thing I am sure, I 
shall go into the midst of a people who love and respect 
me, all my neighbours will be warm and unchanging friends, 
who have earnestly entreated me to move and settle 
amongst them. This will be a great source of comfort, 
and I think my desires are now few, and we can live 
happily in our retirement. For myself it is expected that 
I will be a political man by those who solicit my coming. 
I tender you my warmest acknowledgment for your 
letter to Mr. C. which with one from myself was forwarded 
by this mail, and one to Barbour, and one to Jno. Talliaferro 
of King George, Virginia. In those letters I have stated 



284 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the probable vacancy, at Praire du Chien, and have solicited 
the appointment. Has Menard gone up to Peoria, or does 
he intend residing there? I should be highly gratified to 
get the Agency at Prarie du Chien, as on my retirement 
from it I could again settle amongst my friends in the 
northern counties, where I ultimately mean to reside, and 
if I can, and in fact committed to them to live. At present 
there are no other friends than Talliaferro and Clay near 
the city, and those at a distance could not now write in 
time, for this office. Barbour did not answer my last 
winter's letter. Talliaferro did with warm protestations of 
friendship and a desire to serve me. The papers say 
Barbour is in Virginia on his way to Ohio. Will the 
appointment be made in his absence, and on whose recom- 
mendation? Should any other place occur to you let me 
know. 

In relation to the call of the Legislature, all here say it 
will not do with an empty Treasury. McLean is silent. 
I think he is a little scared at the errors of the last winter. 
If Eddy's paper could be read even with glasses, or if any 
person would even attempt to read it, I would touch some 
strings, that I think would vibrate amongst the people, 
although the hand might be unskilful from long disuse. 
On speaking to White he informs me that he is watching 
his way, and means to act warily. I fear he is on a wrong 
track for becoming useful to you. But I dare not whisper 
the kind of suspicion Jierc, as my private interest is too 
deeply at stake to say a word against his man. I there- 
fore must intreat you only to use it, but say not a word of 
from where it came. White is endeavouring to cary Jones 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 285 

and Crain, or Jones and Eddy. Now Eddy will do well, 
and McLean out of the way as a Senator and Crain will 
not go with Smith & Co. I think. Yet though my sworn 
personal friend I fear C. is too much given up to McLean 
to go against McLean's wishes. As to Jones, you know 
him too well to expect any aid from him, if Thomas is not 
your choice. Let who will offer Thomas is his man. And 
the fact is too much reliance ought not to be placed on 
him anyway. He is the creature of T. and of his own 
interest. I would not write this to any other man on earth, 
and wish it strictly secret for pecuniarily I am deeply in 
J.'s power. Yet you should know all these things to 
enable you to judge how things are and ought to be con- 
ducted. If Eddy and some other staunch administration 
man would come out along with him, they could be 
elected easy. The administration could carry their point 
here easy. Clay, Adams, and Crawford men are here 
nearly all Administration men, and compose a majority of 
the County. White ought to be urged to bring out Eddy 
and some other administration man. I can't do it. Eddy 
is the proper person, or old John Marshall. 

I will write again shortly, if I do not tire you. 

I remain devotedly your friend and obliged servant, 

Jos. M. Street. 

P. S. Was the law in relation to withholding the sala- 
ries of Officers indebted to the State or Bank repealed 
last session? I wish to know. J. M. S. 

Shawanee Town, 9th June, 1827. 
Dear Sir: — I fear I shall tire you with my letters; but 



286 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I remember your patient industry, and particularly your 
permit to me — "write as often as you feel a disposition, 
you cannot tire me," — and I scrible on. When your last 
reached here, I was at the Cumberland College, at Prince- 
ton, Ky., and did not see it for a week or 10 days. The 
friends of the institution were called together and an ex- 
amination took place. The students have made rapid 
progress, and seem to comprehend fully what they have 
studied. The college is in the "full-tide of successful ex- 
periment," and bids fair, completely to establish the prin- 
ciple: that it conduces to health, renders the mind more 
sober and active, and lessens the expense of an Academic 
education, to combine labour with study. There are now 
68 students in the college — they have ioo acres in corn, 40 
in wheat and oats, 10 in horticulture. Every thing looks 
prosperous, and the students and their parents, and guard- 
ians well satisfied. I believe I before mentioned this in- 
stitution to you. I had mentioned this as my excuse for 
delaying to acknowledge your very friendly communica- 
tion of the 24th ult. I instantly availed myself of it to- 
strengthen an application conditionally made after the 
receipt of your previous letter with an inclosure. I wrote 
on to Mr. Clay and to Mr. Talliaferro, as being the nearest 
at hand to propose me for the office. I presume Secretary 
Barbour is from home. I trust I shall be remembered tho' 
I am not sanguine. The office w'd be very appropos. 

I sent my last as far as Carlisle by my wife's brother, 
Major Posey, who was going on with his family to his pur- 
chase in Morgan. He is a valuable citizen — a warm friend 
of Clay, and a thorough-going Administration man. His. 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 287 

circumstances are independent and easy, and he will have 
considerable influence in that county. There are a strong- 
body of Old Presbyterians in that county, of whom Mr. 
Leiper is one, and Mr. Posey, who has been many years of 
that body, chose the county partly because of their society. 
By him I sent on the money to pay for the small tract of 
land I had purchased in Sangamon, — or rather to enter it 
in the land office and pay for the improvement. Should I 
get no appointment I shall move this fall to Sangamon, 
and trust myself once more to the people. Wherever I 
may be, you may confidently calculate upon such poor aid 
as I can render you, for your course is directly the cause 
of the people. Here, and in the newspaper of this place, 
I do not think I can venture to write — if I do it must be 
through Browne or White. * * Look at 

Eddy's paper, and you can see, that tho' its course is for 
the Administration — it is a zeal without knowledge. Tho' 
unfriendly to Thomas, the pieces against him are coarse, 
vulgar blackguardism, and will do more good than harm 
to him, and must injure the reputation of the paper. 
They are the production of Hardin, who cannot write 
any thing better, for it is his common style, talking as 
well as of writing. If I say any thing it will be through 
our friend Browne. 

The call of the Legislature is unpopular here, and every 
man I have conversed with thinks that the business should 
not go to the present elected members. The self-appoint- 
ing Legislature have left themselves very vulnerable, and 
if I do not here, I will some where else communicate a 
few thoughts upon the enormous stretch of power assumed 



288 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

by our House of Representatives, contrary to the spirit of 
our Constitution, and the practice of the General and State 
Governments. A usurpation of power calculated to de- 
stroy the checks and balances so wisely interposed by the 
framers of all our constitutions. 

The Administration reigns triumphant here, and only a 
few Jackson men are to be found any where. Since the 
seat of Justice is away the Jackson candidates here can 
only succeed on one ground — that is an entire devotion to 
the cause of the people against the Kinney and Smith 
faction. Sooner than put this matter in any doubt, I 
think the people here would elect a Jackson man. The 
State party feeling runs higher than the people can be 
excited upon the subject of the Presidency. 

In the 1 2th District in Ky., where I was a few days 
past, I think Henry will be elected over Lyon and New. 
If New w'd resign (who has no possible chance) there 
would be no doubt. Lyon's only hope is that two Ad- 
ministration men may injure each other. They spoke at 
Trigg Court House while I was over. Henry can do what 
he chooses in his stump speeches with either or both of 
them. He is a man of sense and education, speaks pretty 
well, and remembers all his opponents say and answers 
systematically, and urges the most mischievous and gently- 
irritating enquiries. On one occasion Lyon had plumed 
himself up to his great uniformity of opinion and action — 
his love of retrenchment and rigid economy in the ad- 
ministration of every branch of the people's affairs, con- 
cluding in a popular strain of self-complacency. Henry 
did not instantly or positively deny this character to Mr. 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 289 

jL, but in a highly-wrought irony, he shewed that he had 
clianged sides completely, — that his economy was to do 
away a court of 3 judges at $1500 and establish another 
on its ruins with more dangerous powers of 4 judges and 
$2000 sal. — the first $4500, the latter $8000. When he 
was portraying this course Lyon's bitterest enemy could 
not but pity him his feelings. No man under a violent 
fit of the cholic could have made more miserable grimaces 
and shewed greater restlessness, and at last he was com- 
pelled to gain some relief by declaring in a set speech the 
truth of the charges and to acknowledge it amongst the 
number of his faults or sins, as he called them. Henry 
then in reply cut him deeper than ever — and called upon 
him to repent and turn from his sins as well as confess 
them. And that he should require something more than 
a hasty confession — he must have a period of experience 
in which his repentance could be proved to be genuine, 
$c, &c. He speaks well and to the purpose. But I am 
running away with you and myself. Adieu. With great 
respect, and much grateful affection, I remain, 
Sincerely yours, 

J. M. Street.* 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, 111. 

* This letter is full of the political speculations of the period. In the elec- 
tion contest in Kentucky, which is spoken of, Henry was elected over Lyon, 
but at the same election, Chittenden Lyon — the son of Matthew Lyon — was 
elected from another district. 



19 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Further letters of Gen. Joseph M. Street; more about the congres- 
sional contest in Kentucky; Lyon comes out for Jackson; fears 
that he will be elected to Congress on account of two adminis- 
tration candidates running, Henry and New; the new paper at 
Edwardsville, the "Corrector"; wants to resign as general of 
militia; sees Mr. Cook when passing through Shawneetown for 
Kentucky, never more to return; McLean has high hopes for 
senator; speculations as to the chances of the candidates; 
description of a drunken row at a camp-meeting; "the Lord 
works in his own way, and will do as to Him seems good"; 
letter of Ninian Edwards to the secretary of war; shows his 
just appreciation of the condition of things regarding the Indians; 
urges prompt and immediate action by the war department; 
fifteen hundred men driven from the vicinity of Galena by the 
hostile acts of the Indians; letter of Joseph M. Street; his 
appointment as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien obtained; 
grateful acknowledgments to Gov. Edwards for his influence ; 
still desirous of resigning as general of militia, but will hold on 
if there be any probability of being called into action; about 
Kentucky politics; Clay made a mistake when he made John 
Pope his enemy; regrets that the really worthy men of Ken- 
tucky are arrayed against each other; they should press "forward 
arm in arm to victory." 



LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

Shawaneetown, July 7th, 1827. 
Dear Sir: — I have but a short time in which to write 
so as to avail myself of this mail. I have again been 
called to the college at Princeton, and have just returned 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 29 1 

in time to write by this mail. I am apprehensive the con- 
test in Lyon's or Henry's circuit will be hard and that 
Lyon will stand fair to get in. I was over at the Caldwell 
Circuit Court, and Henry, Lyon, and New all spoke. 
Henry's was in fact the only speech made; Lyon's was a 
poor, stammering, humming and hawing attempt that if 
well written out was not worth listening to; New's was 
the declamation of a handsome, agreeable man of com- 
mon capacity, agreeably delivered, and was pleasing to 
many; but there was in fact notliing in it — it was entirely 
a dish of elegant flummery, suited tolerably well to the 
occasion. I am now apprehensive that Henry and New 
will defeat the administration ticket, and get in Lyon. 
CJiittendcn is less informed, and more dull than I had ex- 
pected (I never saw him before). He is an indifferent 
sample of Matthew, only in vulgarity. During the court 
he appeared desirous to engage E. M. Ewing in some pub- 
lic conversation in the court-yard. Ewing had observed 
it, he told me, and from his engagements at the bar in a 
criminal case, he did not wish to withdraw his attention 
from his business. However, Lyon pressed on him with 
some remarks in favour of J., and, particularly pointed 
against the Adminis. Ewing commenced and soon grew 
into an upper tone of voice, and attracted a pretty large 
group; he defended the Adminis. from the particular 
assaults, cast a glance at the overbearing dictatorial course 
of Gen'l J., animadverted upon his sentence on the Militia- 
men, the committee's report in relation to the affair of Mrs. 
R., and produced two pictures that were striking in their 
effect upon the crowd, and at once turned the choice to 



292 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the Adminis. He then reviewed Lyon's last campaign, 
his declaration against J. then, and when Jackson had 
identified himself with the South and Atlantic States, 
reared himself up in opposition to the West, the spots 
in his life, and private as well as public history made 
more plain and even spread out into dark and indelible 
stains; now he had declared for the Hero, with all his sins 
blazoned upon him. Lyon can 't talk, and in fact knew 
not what to reply, save that he had not the gift of the 
gab. Yet much is to be apprehended from the division of 
the friends of the Adminis. between Henry and New. 

Clay is on his way to this country (Ky.), and a great 
dinner is expected to be given him at Louisville. I hope 
he will be able to make some impression when he arrives. 
On my own business he wrote me under date of the 10th 
of June. He says, "I could not think of leaving it (the 
city) without seeing the Sec'y of War on the subject of 
your letter. He informed me that Bolvin was dead. I 
expressed to him my wishes that he would appoint you. 
He told me that he had rec'd a letter from you, and I 
parted with him under the belief that you would be ap- 
pointed." I, therefore, begin to hope that through your 
timely information and friendly exertions I will get the 
appointment. If I do I will instantly write you, and call 
at your house as I go on to my station. Yet, say not a 
word of this until I do receive the app'tm't, or hear from 
Barbour. For it may do some injury to the cause of the 
Adminis. or myself. 

The prospectus of the Corrector, at Edwardsville, was 
handed to me for my name yesterday by Sam'l Leech of 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 293 

Fairfield, Wayne county. It is wretched type, bad print, 
and the composition poor. But Smith can certainly do 
better than this. Is it not a ruse de guerre? No respect- 
able names were on the list here; A. F. Hubbard and 
Doct. Reid were the only tolerable ones — the rest were 
of little consequence, and will, in all probability, never 
pay. I can say with old Shylock in the Merchant of 
Venice in giving over a servant, "Aye, let him go and 
help to ate up his means." The fact is, the true character 
of the paper is known here, and the course it will pursue, 
and it will not meet with encouragement. If your atten- 
tion has been at all given to our paper here, you will see 
that some subjects of State importance have been treated 
on. I have not directly written as I said; but I have 
caused the matter to be inserted, and more will be said 
anon. You may also see a notice of the new paper at 
Edwardsville. The repeal of the law respecting bank de- 
linquents is a matter of much interest with the people. 
How does Leech take the course he does, I wonder — he is 
Mrs. Marshall's brother, and much dependent on Marshall? 
He is Eddy's wife's uncle also. I do not understand the 
thing. 

Is there no way for me to resign? They want a gen'l 
here badly. I am on the eve of removing to the place 
that I purchased in Sangamo, and cannot act. If I can 
resign to you, please now accept my resignation — the 
reason — I am going to remove before the fall musters to 
Sangamo- — and order an election to fill the vacancy. 

I am compelled to close, as the mail is closing. 

McLean has high hopes — as Thomas sinks here, which 



294 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

he has very much. Hardin is much enraged against him 
and is writing and getting writing done off against him. 
Very respectfully your obliged friend and 

Very h'ble s't, 

Jos. M. Street. 
Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

Shawanee Town, July 28th, 1827.* 
Dear Sir: — I hasten to acknowledge the receipt of 
your very friendly favour of the 22d inst. I had began to 
fear you were absent or weary of my too frequent letters. 
You speak of the receipt of a letter from Mr. Clay, and 
urge your sincerity to your friends. I am fully convinced 
that you are earnestly my friend, and that you will and 
have gone great lengths to serve me. I believe I have 
also expressed deep regret that I should at any time have 
been induced to be regardless of one who I had formerly 
so warmly supported. The feeling was of short duration, 
and I thought was justified by the position taken by you 
in relation to myself. I now can only say in brief that I 
was ivrong — that I have seen my error — that you have 
acted correctly, and when you invited my friendship, on 
the ground of forgetting the past. I gladly accepted the 
overture, and freely make my acknowledgements, and hope 
they have been accepted. I make these remarks in conse- 
quence of a part of your letter; and at the same time 

* Mr. Cook was at this time on his way to Kentucky, never more to return. 
The hopes of McLean were not quite as fallacious as General Street suggested. 
He was elected the next year, in place of Thomas, United States senator. 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 295 

•would do every thing in my power to convince you that I 
have not a remaining shade of complaint against you — 
have implicit confidence in your real friendship — and would 
stake my life and my little all upon any lawful measure 
you would dictate. I assure you that my confidence when 
placed is implicit. 

I saw Mr. Cook only for a few minutes in Shawnee. I 
heard he was in town and went to see him expressly. 
That morning my family had moved to the camp-meeting, 
where I always keep a camp, and there was no person at 
home. Otherwise I should have insisted on Mr. Cook 
resting a few days at my house. He has promised me 
on his return to call a day or two. Certainly he is ex- 
tremely low — tho' I hope he will yet recover. I men- 
tioned not the subject of what I had thought a neglect of 
a warm friend, for his looks, and situation was a sufficient 
explanation. 

I will again write to Clay while in Ky., and again to 
Mr. Barbour, and follow your advice, in the urgency of my 
applications. 

I have not yet seen the Corrector — is it in operation? 
All appears quiet here — even as still as the grave — on the 
subject of the next Legislature. Thomas is down with 
both parties. McLean (with whom my law matters com- 
pel me to remain on terms of intimacy) has yet high 
hopes of success. Yet, you know as well as I do, how 
fallacious are those hopes. He is much cooled in regard 
to Jackson and seldom names him. He is endeavoring 
silently to retain his standing for another election. Such 
are the distresses of the people and his usefulness to them 



296 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

as a lawyer that it is difficult to say whether he can be 
excluded from the Legislature. The bank is suing every- 
body — several thousand dollars are now in judgm't, and 
there is not money to meet the emergency. Many appeals 
are taken and McLean is the defendants' lawyer in all the 
bank cases. He takes none for the bank, nor ever has. I 
could not think of McLean for a Senator — and Thomas 
seems to be out of the question. I, therefore, can but look 
to L., as the surest and best chance of success, should 
Mr. C. not regain his health. If he does, he stands 
marked out to the good sense of every reflecting man, 
as the most fit and proper person in the State. The 
people should early avail themselves^of talents so fool- 
ishly and carelessly thrown away. What will the old 
members of Congress say, when D. is seen to rise (if he 
ever should be so unfortunate) in the place of C? They 
must believe us madmen and fools. Jones is a candidate, 
there is no doubt; but your friends ought not to support 
him, for myself, should any circumstances induce me to 
remain, I cannot, with the views I have do so. For he 
will stick to T. to the last, and then he will not go with 
you, and can easily be brought to act with Kinney, Smith 
& Co. — in fact he is now with them. Wherever my des- 
tiny shall cast me I shall exert myself to sustain the firm, 
manly, and correct course you assumed last winter, and to 
expose the villanies of a set of peculators, and depredators 
on the State funds. 

I yet expect to remove to Sangamon in October next,, 
to the purchase made last spring. 

I shall avail mvself of the information contained in 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 297 

your letters, and if I fail in the agency at Prairie du 
Chien shall endeavor to get that of Peoria. 

31st Aug't. 

Our camp-meeting is just over; there were a good many 
foreigners, and a large concourse of people from town and 
the adjacent country. Unfortunately on Sunday about 10 
or 1 1 o'clock at night, just as our meeting was breaking 
for the night, some drunken blackguard fellows, who had 
been lounging near the encampment, got into an affray in 
the woods and one man ran into camp stating he had 
stabbed two men in self-defense and claimed our protec- 
tion. One of the men is dangerously stabbed, the other 
slightly. All were drunk and ivorthless, and it did not 
extend to any of our people. One of the men (the one 
who did the mischief) is said to be deranged from hard 
drink — it is Ephraim Hubbard. On Saturday night there 
were flattering prospects of an excellent meeting; 2 got 
religion and many were deeply converted — yet the interup- 
tion of Sunday night dissipated every good, prospect, and 
altho' Delany delivered the most moving and eloquent ser- 
mon I most ever heard on Monday all seemed in vain, and 
we broke up our encampment on Monday night. 

The Lord works in His own way, and will do as to Him 
seems good. All, no doubt, is for the best, and will ulti- 
mate in the glory of God and the magnification of His 
name. I remain devotedly, 

Your friend and h'ble servant, 

Jos. M. Street. 

P. S. — What means the rumor I hear of Indian depreda- 



298 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

tions, and a call upon the militia? Your letter to me ex- 
cited much curiosity and was expressly sent out from town 
to me, and does not even mention the Indians, or remotely 
allude to any apprehension of an Indian war. Many be- 
lieved it was an order for a draft. Under the prospect of 
difficulties, and a desire to render service, if any is re- 
quired, I shall not now resign my commission as brigadier 
until I remove, or all is again quiet, if no war ensues. 
Please let me know the "head and front" of the Indian 
difficulties. Your devoted friend, 

J. M. Street. 
Ninian Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF WAR.* 

Belleville, III., Aug't 20, 1827. 
SIR: — Gov. Cass and other officers of the U. S. of great 
respectability, and with the best opportunities of forming 
correct opinions on the subject, all concurring in the belief 
that the neighboring Indians intended to make war upon 
us; and those Indians having committed several daring 
robberies and other depredations between Peoria and Ga- 
lena, and commenced actual war in other parts. I have 
felt it my duty to call out about five hundred mounted 
volunteers to defend our frontiers. I suppose not less 
than 1500 men have been driven by those acts of hostility 
from the vicinity of Galena, and but for the measures I 

* This letter of Governor Edwards to the secretary of war at the time shows 
his just appreciation of the condition of things as regarded the Indians. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 299 

adopted, several other parts of our frontier, from these 
defenceless situations, would have been depopulated. I 
therefore beg leave to ask how far it may be the pleasure 
of the President to recognize the defensive measures which 
I have been thus compelled to adopt, and what provisions 
will be made for paying the militia that have been called 
into service. 

My power to act in such cases is limited to sudden 
emergencies. The defence of every State belongs to the 
Gen't Gov't. I now beg leave to ask in behalf of this 
State, of the President of the United States, such mea- 
sures of protection to our extensive frontier, as its pecul- 
liar weakness demands. The measures adopted by Gen'l 
Atkinson are, I presume, sufficient to insure safety to our 
Western border, but they are not the least calculated, nor 
has he the kind of troops necessary to protect those settle- 
ments which extend from the mouth of Illinois river to 
Chicago. 

I need scarcely remark to you what all experience has 
proved, that whenever the Indians have once made up 
their minds to commit hostilities, or have actually com- 
mitted such, as deserve chastisement, then pacific disposi- 
tions never can be safely relied on till they have begged 
for peace, and begged it so earnestly, as to leave no doubt 
of their sincerity. Nothing of this kind has yet occurred. 
The latter part of next month is of all others the most 
favorable time for concentrating their forces and striking 
the most formidable blow. I will only add that I should 
be very happy to render on the present occasion any ser- 
vices that would be acceptable to the President. Hoping 



300 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

for as early an answer as possible, I have the honor to be, 
Very respectfully, sir, 

Y'r mo. ob. s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 

N. B. — Presuming that you must have been informed by 
official communications of officers of the U. S. of the dan- 
ger that has, at least, threatened us ; and that no one 
could be more sensible of the necessity of a force dif- 
ferent from that under the command of Gen'l Atkinson 
to afford the necessary protection to such a frontier as that 
of this State, I have constantly expected to hear from you 
on the subject. The services of the men whom I have 
called out will expire in a few days, and until I hear from 
you I shall not adopt any other measures, but leave it to 
the Gen'l Gov't to provide for such protection and safety 
as the people have a right to expect from it. The ex- 
perience of the last war admonishes me to take this course, 
and there being not a cent of money in the State Treasury 
I have not the means of supporting any other. N. E. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

Sep. 2d, 1827, Shawaneetown. 
My Dear Sir: — I wrote hastily last mail, and in a 
postscript mentioned to you my appointment (which I 
mainly owe to your kind offices), and requested you to say 
to me what should be my course. I then intended to set 
out to-morrow on my way. Yet I am convinced I am un- 
able to bear a ride so soon from the effects of a fall a few 
days previous to the date of my last letter to you. The 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 30T 

termination of the spine, ending as you know in 2 or 3 
small joints has been so bruised or dislocated (perhaps 
both) that I cannot set uprightly on a saddle. The doctors 
tell me that I can set out in 10 days or 12 at most. If 
there were steamboats passing I would embrace an oppor- 
tunity to go by one. This tho' would not be as well as I 
have to call at Kaskaskia to get the Judge's certificate of 
the solvency of my securities, and I wished to call on you 
at Belleville, on my way. Indeed let me go which way I 
may I shall call at your house, for I want much in person 
to make my most sincere acknowledgements to you and 
to obtain your friendly and experienced advice. Will you 
do me the favour to say to me whether the delay (which 
has been unavoidable from my hurt) will be to my injury? 
I shall certainly set out (without a providential interfer- 
ance) on to-morrow week. This. will enable me to get the 
Western mail due this day week, and perhaps a line from 
you. 

The draft in my brigade is progressing, tho' but few re- 
turns have been made to me as yet. By this mail I expect 
them, and shall immediately report to the Major-Gen'l. 
The appointment I have rec'd will only be a "letter of 
appointment" until advised by the Senate next winter 
(should I succeed in passing the Senate), consequently 
will not vacate my present command in the militia, will 
it? I ask purely and simply for your advice and better 
information. I have not yet resigned as brig.-gen'l, and 
from the date of my com. supposed that if the militia 
were ordered into service I should go, and being very 
desirous to be in active service, I wish to retain my com. 



302 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

so long as there is any probability of being called into 
action. I shall of course not resign until I hear from 
you. Whatever you think respecting it will govern my 
determination. 

What are the Indians doing ? We are here without 
news. Clay has obtained a most clear and decided vic- 
tory in relation to the Buckhannan story of Jackson, which 
is operating greatly against the "hero" in this quarter. It 
unfortunately came too late for the Ky. elections. I still 
think it is in time to have its full weight and proper effect 
on the final question. But Clay must now feel that he 
acted unwisely when he made our old friend John Pope 
his enemy. There was a time since I have resided west of 
the mountains when Pope would have gone hand-in-hand 
to power and influence with Henry Clay. And each would 
have been aided by the talents and influence of the other, 
and both would have been strong pillars knit into the 
strong fabrick of our Government; but an unhappy jeal- 
ousy of the well-earned fame of Pope from his local -resi- 
dence crushed the opening prospects of a united usefulness, 
and I always feared that an unholy and narrow ambition 
sought, and succeeded in undermining the popularity of 
Pope. Now, that fire of genius which cannot be quenched, 
tho' it may for a time be shorn of power, will give C. much 
trouble in his anticipated career of public life. Pope was 
one of the warmest and best of my friends, when I wanted 
a friend, and my heart will ever be warm towards him. 
Yet I regret that the great men of Ky. — the really worthy 
— are arrayed against each other. I lament that the West, 
young, tho' strong and powerful, does not move with its 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 303 

whole force united to the combat. That its politicians 
formed in the school of adversity with herculean powers 
do not press forward arm-in-arm to victory and triumph. 
I sometimes entertain deep apprehensions for the ultimate 
fate of our happy country. Too many men of known and 
decided talents are pressing into the front ranks for pro- 
motion, and not unfrequently a disappointed politician 
with a host of followers arrays himself in fearful opposi- 
tion to the administration, which tends to weaken the 
powers of the Government itself, and often to destroy 
the effect of the wisest measures, and lay open to de- 
feat the best laid plans of a wise and vigilant statesman. 

In our part of the State — on local politics — all seems 
quiet. The draft, &c, has taken off the minds of the peo- 
ple from any thing else for the moment. 

I commenced writing just before the mail was opened, 
and have not the time to say more. Should I rec. any 
thing important I will notice it before I seal this scrawl. 
At present I must hasten to the office as it is only open a 
few minutes to hand out letters and will then close. I re- 
main with profound respect and deep devotion, your ob- 
liged friend, and Very humble servent, 

Jos. M. Street. 

N ini an Edwards, 

Governor of the State of 111., 

Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to President Adams in regard to Indian 
matters; letter of the governor to the secretary of war; writes 
of certain Indian hostilities; reiterates application to the president 
for protection to the settlers; they have a claim on the govern- 
ment for protection against the savages; Colonel Field reports 
that about 3000 men had been driven from the Fever-River lead- 
mines; generous proposition of Governor Edwards to provide 
subsistence with his own funds; protest against Indians longer 
occupying ceded lands; letter of Joseph M. Street; delay in 
repairing to his post as Indian agent at Prairie du Chien; letter 
of John McLean, overwhelmed with business, inquires about Mr. 
Cook; another letter of Joseph M. Street; his arrival at Prairie 
du Chien; easy manner in which he has "slid into the spirit of 
Indian affairs"; Indians soured by the conduct of the advent- 
urers, flocking to and working the lead-mines of Fever River; 
they have a contempt for "naked Indians" and behave like black- 
guards; elaborate description of boundaries under Indian treaties; 
the Winnebago Indians complain of the trespass of the miners; 
no notice taken of it, and the "diggings progressed"; Waw- 
zeekootee, he who "Shoots in the Pine Tops", furious against the 
whites and tells the Winnebagoes : " Go strike the first blow and 
the Sioux will help you "; desires to be appointed a commissioner 
to treat with Indians; Indians have a great opinion of his 
"gravity and portly look"; like Bolingbroke, does not mean to 
" make an every-day exhibition of his person ". 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
PRESIDENT ADAMS. 

[confidential.] 
Belleville, Illinois, 13 Sept., 1827. 
Dear Sir: — I perceive that the Louisville Pttblic Ad- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 305 

•vertiser in announcing the arrival of Gen'l Gaines at that 
place, states that the administration has determined that 
the Winnebagoes shall surrender all those of their tribe 
who were concerned in the murders at Prairie du Chien, 
the attacks upon the boats, &c, and that, to prevent a re- 
currence of similar enormities, they shall abandon all the 
country on this side of the Wisconsin river. If this is the 
case it cannot fail to give the greatest satisfaction to the 
largest portion of this State. In fact nothing could be 
more popular — nothing is more just. Even the Advertiser 
highly applauds this course, and assigns the best of reasons 
in its favor. 

As to the lands themselves, I believe there has been 
some great oversight or misunderstanding at Washington 
concerning them. I have only time for a hint or two on 
the subject. 

In 1803 or '4 Gen'l Harrison purchased of the Sacs and 
Foxes all the lands between the mouths of the Wisconsin 
and Illinois rivers. In 18 16 Gov. Clark, Colo. Chouteau, 
and myself, as Comiss'rs of the U. S., ceded all those lands 
which lie north of a due west line from the southern ex- 
tremity of Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, to the Otta- 
was, Chippavvas, and Pottawatomies (all making one nation 
and generally denominated the Indians of Illinois river) 
with certain reservations. These Indians derive these 
claims from the U. S., and are the real owners of the 
land about which the Winnebagoes have made so much 
disturbance. The latter have no claim to any part of these 
lands, unless some right has been recognized to them in- 
advertently by the U. S. since 18 16 of which I know noth- 
20 



306 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

ing, but which, if it exists, was a clear and palpable viola- 
tion of the treaty with the Ottawas, Chippawas, and Pot- 
tawatomies aforesaid, unless their consent was previously- 
obtained, which I do suppose was the case. It would in 
fact amount to nothing less than this: that the U.S. after 
having made a solemn cession of certain lands to those 
Indians, involving a pledge of good faith to protect them 
in the enjoyment * * 

Respectfully, 

Y'r ob't s'v't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
To the President. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF WAR. 

Belleville, Illinois, Sept. 4, 1827. 

Sir: — Colo. Field, a gentleman of much intelligence 
and high respectability, having been deputed by the 
population of the Fever- river mines to apply to me for 
assistance to repel the hostility of the savages with which 
they consider themselves daily threatened, arrived at this 
place the night before last bringing very unfavorable news 
in regard to that and other parts of our frontier, which is' 
fully confirmed by another express that reached here last 
night from Peoria. 

It appears that the Winnebagoes had ultimately refused 
to come to any arrangements with Gov. Cass and Colo. 
McKenney; that the Governor had received information, 
which he believed, that a part, at least, of the Pottawato- 
mies had determined to unite with the Winnebagoes in the 
war; that he apprehended the people of Fever river would 



LETTER OF N INI AN EDWARDS. 307 

be attacked before it would be possible to send them any 
aid; that Gen'l Atkinson had sent an express to that place 
asking for all the mounted riflemen that could be spared 
from it, and had marched towards Green Bay with about 
600 infantry and 130 mounted riflemen to attack those 
Indians. No doubt the Gen'l will accomplish all that can 
be affected with the force under his command, but it is 
much to be regretted that he had not more mounted men, 
for if the hostile Indians are as numerous as Gov. Cass 
supposes, it is not probable that the Gen'l can march such 
a distance through their own country without having a 
hard fight at least. Should he be defeated or driven back, 
it may well be imagined that the consequences must be 
truly disasterous to our very extensive and exposed settle- 
ments all along the Illinois river and its waters. Whatever 
may be his fate, however, if you will only cast your eye 
upon the map, and consider that all the hostile Indians, 
with the exception of one small band, reside between his 
line of march and these settlements, it must, I think, be 
obvious to you that there is either no danger at all — or 
that they are in very great danger. Regarding them in 
the latter point of view, I feel it my duty to reiterate my 
application to the President for that protection which these 
situations demand ; a protection, the necessity of which is 
as apparent, as that of any movement that has been made 
under the authority of the Gov't, and which can not be 
doubted without an utter disbelief of any hostile disposi- 
tion on the part of those savages; nor without questioning 
the propriety of all those measures of the Gov't which 
have been adopted upon that supposition. For if the 



308 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Indians are hostilely disposed, as they can attack no where 
else with the same prospects of success, and with so little 
risk to themselves, so none can be in more danger than 
those settlements. Besides their lives and property, the 
people, I humbly conceive, have a fair claim on the Gov't 
for protection against those interruptions of their tran- 
quility by the savages which are reasonably calculated to 
prevent them from resting under the shade of their own 
vines and fig trees without any one to make them afraid. 
I learn from Colo. Field that about 3000 men have been 
driven from the mines, and but for the measures I adopted 
upon the first alarm it is scarcely to be doubted that other 
parts of our frontier would have been entirely depopulated. 
I need not, I am sure, attempt to point out to a gentleman 
of your practical knowledge and experience the immense 
losses and sacrifices that must have resulted both to indi- 
viduals and to the State from this state of things. 

My authority to act, being limited to a sudden emer'cy, 
my measures were adopted with a view to such duration 
only as would be sufficient to enable the Gov't to get its 
own into operation, and I have now only between sixty 
and seventy men in service. Nor had I intended under 
any circumstances to have done more on my own responsi- 
bility, in consequence of their being no money in our State 
Treasury, the impossibility of doing without it, and the 
risk of pecuniary embarrassment, of which I had some 
experience during the late war, being greater than I have 
felt under any obligations to encounter. These views, how- 
ever, have never been communicted to a single individual; 
and looking to consequences to the administration from 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 3C9 

adhering to them, which can scarcely escape your sagacity, 
I have concluded, should actual hostilities be committed 
on our frontier, immediately to repair to it, make it my 
headquarters, and endeavor with my own funds, and at 
my own risk, to provide subsistence for such volunteers as 
I may be able to call to my aid, until I can receive your 
answer to my letter of the 20th ult. Whatever that may 
be, if it shall only afford reasonable ground to expect that 
I shall be sustained, I will continue to do the best in my 
power until I receive your answer to the letter, otherwise, 
unless all danger shall have entirely disappeared, I shall 
be compelled to convene the Legislature and lay the case, 
just as it may be, before them. 

I beg leave to observe that the experience of three 
years' hard service on our frontiers, during the last war, 
has convinced me that no other force, of any reasonable 
amount, is available for such protection as they require, 
than that of mounted riflemen. Your infantry on the 
Wisconsin is too remote to afford the least. It would be 
scarcely less available to us, if it were at Washington City- 

I must beg leave to call the President's attention to 
another grievance somewhat connected with the subject 
that has been borne by the people for a few years past 
with great impatience, and can not be submitted to much 
longer. That is the occupancy by different tribes of In- 
dians of various portions of the ceded lands of this State, 
and their constantly traversing every part of it at their 
pleasure, for the purpose of hunting, without any right so to 
do. A large number of Pottawatomies particularly have 
been for several years past residing within about twenty 



3IO THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

miles of Peoria on lands not only ceded, but which have 
actually been granted by the Gov't to individuals. An 
illegal occupancy, which has been in some measure coun- 
tenanced by the Government by making it the seat of an 
Indian agency, the place of paying those Indians their 
annuities, &c. I now, sir, have to ask of the President 
that a grievance, so inconsistent with the rights of the 
State may no longer be permitted, and that these Indians 
in particular be removed with as little delay as possible. I 
shall be happy to assist in the accomplishment of this ob- 
ject by the most pacific means, if they will answer. I will 
not say what would probably be the result if the President 
were to decline a compliance with this specific request, be- 
cause I do not believe his respect for the rights of the 
State will permit him to hesitate about it. 
I have the honor to be, 

Y'r ob't s'v't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
To the Hon. Secretary of War. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

Shawanee Town, 16th Sep., 1827. 
My Dear Friend — I have been delayed until now 
beyond my expectations. I shall now, I hope, be off on 
my way to St. Louis on Wednesday next. The draft pro- 
gresses so slowly as to give the belief that I cannot wait 
to return the result to Robinson; but resign to-day, and 
w'd earlier have done so but to prevent delay. The ex- 
tract and some remarks in last w r eek's paper here with the 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 3 1 I 

aid of friends to yourself, have created a deep and anxious 

desire in numbers to volunteer and join you. Your old 

staunch friends are active — they in fact just wait for you 

to say come on with what you can hastily raise, and they 

will be on the march in 3 days' time. I saw Maj'r Kuy- 

kendal (an old friend) who told me to say to you that 

if you w'd only write him one line he w'd be with you 

with a comp. of as fine men as the State affords. Here 

are many anxious to join you at a moment's warning. 

Yours, truly, 

Jos. M. Street. 

The mail will not detain. This opposition will redound 

to your exaltation here, and the eternal disgrace of the op. 

J. M. S. 
Ninian Edwards, Governor, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF JOHN McLEAN. 

Washington, 21 Sept., 1827. 

DEAR Sir: — Your letter respecting the stage route has 

been received, and the subject shall be examined before 

the new contracts are made, with the strongest disposition 

to meet your wishes. 

I am overwhelm'd with business. 

Where is Mr. Cook, and how is he? 

Truly yours, 

John McLean. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



312 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

Prairie du Chien, Nov., 1827. 

My Dear Sir: — I have been here two or 3 weeks and 
I can assure you I have not been idle, as my official com- 
munications would shew. By the same conveyance that 
takes this letter, a communication directed to the Secretary 
of War, as close written as this, on 3 whole sheets of 
paper, is sent off. And altho' so newly introduced into 
the Indian relations, I think you, who are by your knowl- 
edge of them and their affairs and countries, so able to 
judge, would give me some credit for my tact, and the easy 
manner in which I have slid into the spirit of Indian 
affairs, and took a peep behind the curtain. I am not 
boasting to the world, but writing to a confidential friend, 
sure and tried, whose good opinion of me under every 
difficulty I am striving to justify. I trust that you will 
never have cause to blush for one, who you so warmly and 
urgently recommended in highly flattering terms of com- 
mendation. I can never cease to remember it. 

I have very minutely enquired into all the causes con- 
nected with the late disturbances with the Winnebago In- 
dians. Hastily I will sketch them to you that you may 
compare them with your accounts and judge between 
them. I place great reliance upon my information as it 
comes from different sources, and fits nicely together. 
Should you have any varient opinions you would highly 
gratify me by communicating them. I took occasion in 
my communication to give that weight that is evidently 
due to the prompt measures you took in relation to the 
militia. The Winnebagoes and the whites all admit that 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 313 

they apprehended more from the militia ordered to be 
drafted than all the regulars. They had set down the 
draft of % of the militia of Illinois, as an immense num- 
ber of Mounted Riflemen. They remembered the Rangers 
of Governor Edzvards, and that was the force they most 
dreaded. 

The Indians had been soured by the conduct of the 
vast number of adventurers flocking to and working the 
lead mines of Fever River. Those who went by land, by 
far the greater part, passed through the Winnebago coun- 
try. Many of them had great contempt for "naked In- 
dians" and behaved low, gross, and like blackguards 
amongst them. The Agent at the mines granted per- 
mits on the Winnebago lands, and numerous diggins were 
industriously pushed far east of the line between, the Ot- 
towas, Chippewas, and Pottawatomies of the Illinois, and 
the Winnebagoes, and great quantities of mineral procured 
and taken away to the smelters. I should first have called 
your attention to your treaty of the 24 Aug., 18 16, and 
and the treaty of 19 Aug., 1825, which together establish 
the line between the Ottowas, &c, and the Winnebagoes. 
Take the treaty of 24 Aug., 18 16, and lay a map of the 
country before you, and delineate the lines as follows: The 
country of the Ottowas, &c, commences at the Winne- 
bago village on Rock River, 40 miles above its mouth, 
runs down said river 'till it strikes the line running from 
the south end of Michigan L. due west to Rock Island, 
then up the Mississippi to the southern line of the Prairie 
du Chien reserve, and along said line east and north to the 
Wisconsin, then passing southwardly passing on the east 



314 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

of the heads of all the small streams falling into the Mis- 
sissippi to the beginning. This last line is on a dividing 
ridge between the Mississippi waters direct, and those fall- 
ing into Rock River. The same treaty makes the unlo- 
cated reservations of such tracts of land as the U. S. may 
choose to locate not exceeding in all 5 leagues square. 
Then look at the treaty of 19 Aug., 1825 (page 363 of the 
Book of Treaties), and you will see the bounds of the 
Winnebago country. Again refer to the map having the 
last line from P. du Ch. to the Winnebago village in your 
recollection. Commencing at the sources of Rock River, 
down the said R. to the W. village, 40 miles above the 
mouth of R. R., tkencc along the line of the Ottozuas, Chip- 
pewas, and Pottawatomies (above mentioned) on a dividing 
ridge passing east of all the small streams falling into the 
Mississippi to the P. du Ch. reserve, thence with the east 
and north lines of said reserve to the Mississippi, and up 
the Mississippi to the Bluffs on the east side of said river 
opposite the mouth of the upper Ioway R., then with said 
bluffs to the mouth of the Black River, and up said river 
'till a due west line from the sources of the west fork of 
the Wisconsin will intersect Black River, and along said 
line east to the sources of the W. B. of Wisconsin, down 
the same and the Wisconsin to the portage, across the 
portage and down Fox River to the Grand Kan Kanlin, 
including the whole of the Winnebago Lake. Leaving an 
open line from the Grand Kan Kanlin to the sources of 
Rock R. that I can find no treaty closes. From this you 
perceive that you in the treaty of 24 Aug., 18 16, made the 
only reservations that have been made, and they are all 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 315 

west of the line of tJie Winnebagos. Then zue have no colour 
of claim on the Winnebago lands whatever. Harrison in- 
deed bought all this land by the treaty of 3d Nov., 1804, 
from a point 36 miles up the Wisconsin to Lake Sakaegan, 
at the head of Fox River of the Illinois. This includes 
the whole mining district 80 or a hundred miles east of 
the mouth of Fever River. But in the treaty of the 19th 
Aug., 1825, the commissioners recognize and establish the 
right of the Winnebagoes to this land, and make no ex- 
ception or reservation except at P. du Ch. This closes all 
our chance of claim. This is the treaty you said you had 
never noticed, and that you would have opposed its ratifica- 
tion had you considered its provisions. The Winnebagoes 
complained of the trespass of the miners, and the open 
violation of the treaty by the permits of Mr. Thomas, the 
Ag't. No notice was taken of it and the diggins pro- 
gressed. The Indians attempted force which was repelled, 
and very angry feelings produced. Under this state of 
excitement some of them left the neighborhood of the 
mines and went above this place, as it is supposed to con- 
sult some chiefs and influential men there, and to invite 
the co-operation of the Sioux, at any rate the lower band 
of Sioux with Wabasha. They were met there by a 
Sioux Indian called W r awzeekootee, or he that shoots in 
the pine tops, who told the Winnebagoes that the U. S. 
officers had delivered up several Sioux Indians to the 
Chippewas, who cruelly murdered them and cut them to 
small pieces, amongst whom was one innocent Indian; and 
that the 2 Winnebagoes, in confinement for previous mur- 
ders, were at the same time butchered by the whites. 



3l6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Now, said he, go and revenge their death, and the moment 
you strike a blow, the Sioux will help you to kill all the 
whites above Rock River. Two Winnebagoes who had 
invited the Sioux of Wabashaw's band, then offered a 
string of wampum, and asked the help of the Sioux. 
They all refused but pine tops, and he repeated the assur- 
ances — "Go strike the first blow and the Sioux will then 
help you." Under these feelings the Winnebagoes left 
them, and struck the blow on the boats, and at this place. 

I have in one case recommended a purchase to be 
bounded east by a line from the mouth of Pine River 
about half way from this to the portage, on the Wiscon- 
sin, to the point of intersection between the line running 
due west from the south end of Lake M. and the north- 
western line of the Illinois canal purchase; and that a 
treaty should be held next summer at this place. Gen'l 
Atkinson promised the Indians that com'rs should be 
app'ed to treat with them in relation the lead-mine diffi- 
culties. 

I find Gen'l Clark is resolved I shall move here, or he, I 
fear, will endeavor to have me removed. He spoke very 
positively on the subject of my removal to this place. An 
immediate removal would subject me to some smart sacri- 
fices — to meet debts which my salary would extinguish if 
I had a little time to make sales and gradually diminish 
my debts. If I must move this ensuing year or loose the 
place I shall certainly move, for I cannot do without it. If 
commissioners are appointed to treat with the Indians for 
these lands or other purposes, and I could be one of them, 
the additional sum, would enable me to move without any 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 317 

great sacrifice. And I believe I could write a much better 
treaty than ^ds of those I see. Your treaties are the 
only ones that are definite in their lines or terms. Harri- 
son's are the next best. If in writing to Washington you 
would mention me as being on the spot, and a fit person, 
if you think I am, you would greatly serve me in my de- 
pression. I will mention it to some friends also in Con- 
gress. 

I have met several chiefs and tolerable large parties of 
Indians, and had some talks with them. As you advised 
me, I have deported myself and find no difficulty. In- 
deed I speak better than I had supposed I could, and 
casually learn that the Indians and whites think I speak 
very well. The Indians have a great opinion of my 
gravity and portly look (on which you joked me) and 
the officers of the Fort have paid me great attention. 
Major Fowle sent workmen to fit up my room and run 
a partition across the council chamber which I had sug- 
gested as proper, and is very respectful and friendly. 

Like Bolingbroke, tho' I have kept pretty close to my 
room, and mean not to make an every-day exhibition of 
my person. I only appear in the Indian room when I 
wish to see Indians. At other times I turn them over to 
the Interpreter, and never receive any in my chamber. 

You will doubtless think me very particular, and be tired 
of my garulity; the situation is new to me, and having 
craved your advice I am shewing you that I am acting 
upon it, or in accordance with your views. 

Mr. Douseman, who takes this, is going, and I have 
written very hastily, not knowing of his departure but a 



3l8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

few hours. With respect and deep considerations of re- 
gard, I am, sir, Your most ob'd't h'ble s't, 



Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



Jos. M. Street 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to secretary of war; transmits estimate 
of sums necessary to pay militia; letter of Joseph M. Street; 
the extreme isolation of Prairie du Chien in the winter of 1827; 
no mails, no letters, no newspapers; neglect of the post-master; 
table of distances from Prairie du Chien to Edwardsville and 
St. Louis; proposes a new mail route from Edwardsville to 
Fever River, ultimately to be continued to Prairie du Chien; 
commencement of the town of Cassville, opposite the mouth of 
Turkey River; the Indian chief " Red Bird ", his fantastic dress; 
apprehensions of danger if he is hanged; hears of the death of 
Daniel P. Cook; a just and honorable tribute to his memory; 
"he was a clean politician, 'and a ripe and good one'"; still 
desires to be appointed commissioner to treat with the Winne- 
bagoes; letter of Governor Edwards to the secretary of the 
treasury, in relation to location of lands for a seminary of learn- 
ing; letter of Hooper Warren, a pioneer printer in Illinois; 
early printers and publishers in Illinois have a hard time; 
Warren one of the original anti-slavery men in the State ; pub- 
lishes the " Spectator " at Edwardsville during the great slavery 
struggle of 1823-24; opposes the election of Edward Coles for 
governor, for personal reasons; establishes in 1841, in conjunc- 
tion Zebina Eastman, the "Genius of Liberty", at Lowell, LaSalle 
County; recommends to Governor Edwards the sale of the 
"Sangamon Spectator". 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 

JAMES BARBOUR, SECRETARY OF WAR. 

Belleville, Illinois, 5 Nov., 1827. 
SIR: — In consequence of your request that I should 
transmit an estimate of the sum necessary to pay the 



320 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

militia which were recently called into service in this 
State, I have the honor herewith to transmit an inspec- 
tion roll of the first detachment, and a muster roll of the 
second. 

These will show the number of men that were in service. 
Those reported on the inspection roil served thirty days. 
The muster roll of Capt. Bankson shows the term of ser- 
vice of his company. 

All these were mounted riflemen, and found their own 
subsistence, ammunition, &c, and, of course, will expect 
to be allowed one dollar a day, the same that was allowed 
during the late war for similar service. 

The inspection roll shows an over proportion of officers. 
This arose from the impossibility of procuring arms. Six 
hundred men were ordered out, but arms could not be 
procured for a larger number than those that actually 
marched, and the balance had to be discharged. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, sir, 

Y'r mo. ob. s't, 

N. Edwards. 
Hon. James Barbour, Sec. of War. 



LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET* 

Prairie du Chien, December 28, 1827. 
DEAR Sir: — The closing of the river appears absolutely 
to cut me off from any intercourse with the civilized w r orld. 

* General Street has but just heard of the death of Daniel P. Cook at the 
time of writing this letter. The following tribute which he pays to the memory 
of that distinguished man is a just and honorable one. He says, " It is with 
sentiments of sympathetic sorrow that I notice the death of my friend Mr. 
Cook. He was a clean politician, and 'a ripe and good one.' Few men in 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 321 

I arrived here the first of Nov., since when, we have had 
4?ie mail from below. Capt. Clark of the army came in 
this month from St. Louis, but brought no letters or papers. 
I have not heard from my family since I left the Saline. 
And have not rec'd one letter from below this place since 
Ave parted. From this, you will readily conclude I am 
quite uneasy. If it is not imposing too much upon your 
goodness I should like, at a leisure moment, to get a few 
lines from you. I feel some anxiety to hear also from 
Washington City, whether my appointment has been con- 
firmed. Kane promised to write me, and perhaps has, but 
as I before remarked, we get nothing from any place ex- 
cept Fever River and St. Peters. I have no newspaper 
from Washington, and until I can get a paper sent on, I 
would acknowledge it as a great favour, if you would send 
me on one of your W. papers after reading it. Or the 
Richmond Enquirer, after you have retained it one week 
to read, it will be very new Jiere then. 

Is it not astonishing that we have been all this time 
without a mail? The Postmaster-General has been quite 
accommodating towards us, and directs all the money 
arising from our post-office here to be applied by the 
Postmaster to carrying the mail. The deputy informed 
me that during the summer the mail was mostly carried 
free of expense by steamboats and that the whole fund of 
the summer was untouched, and would pay for carrying 

the United States at his time of life had entered so completely into a knowl- 
edge of the politics of the United States, both at home and in its foreign 
relations. I am apprehensive Illinois is not destined soon to be so ably repre- 
sented upon the floor of Congress. " 

21 



322 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the mail during the winter. Yet the Postmaster, who left 
here last July and went eastwardly to lay in m'd'z., is on 
the river below Rock Island with his m'd'z., stopped by 
the ice. Capt. Clark of the army passed him and came 
on here some weeks past, and yet no mail. With this fund 
on hand, the deputy here has omitted to send until 7 or 8 
days past, and the Postmaster has failed to hire a carrier 
to bring it up. When Capt. Clark came up there was a 
fine opportunity~of company for any man hired to bring 
the mail. I am apprehensive that the whole is made sub- 
servient to the convenience of a merchant, and that while 
I am tortured with suspense, he is calculating cent-per- 
cent and hiring cheap, payable in iricTz. You know pay- 
ments in that way are not as imperative as silver or gold. 
I am unacquainted with the P. M., and under excited feel- 
ings may judge him hardly. Can you give any aid in 
establishing a mail route to this place, which shall be an 
extension of the route from Edwardsville? If you can, I 
would be gratified if you would write the Postmaster- 
General. It will be of considerable advantage to your 
population at F. R., as % of the proposed route lies in 
your State, and your citizens are quite anxious it shall 
extend at any rate to Fever R., if no further. This would 
be a stepping-stone that would ultimate in continuing the 
route to Prairie du Chien. 

I have written to the P. M.-Gen'l this mail, and think if 
you will add some other information as to the route, and 
press the subject, the P. M.-G. would establish the route. 
I have proposed the following routes, either of which w'd 
be perfectly agreeable: 






LETTER OE JOS. M. STREET. 323 

FROM MILES. MILES. 

Prairie du Chien to Turkey River 25 

Turkey River to Fever River - - 45 - - - - - 70 

Fever River to Rock Island Post 60 to Peoria - - 190 

Rock Island Post to Lewiston - 120 to' Springfield- 70 

Lewiston to Springfield - - - - 45 to Edwardsville 85 

Springfield to Edwardsville - - 85 to St. Louis - 12 

Edwardsville to St. Louis - - - - 12=392 427 

NOTE. — At a point on the east side of the Mississippi, 
opposite the mouth of Turkey River, is mines as valuable 
as any at Fever R., 25 m. from here, and there are 60 or 
70 persons building a town they call Cassville. All the 
other points you well know. And at F. R. when I passed 
there, many computed there were 4000 or 5000 persons. 
Now, sir, this route (by I^ewiston, Fulton county, Illinois, 
I think preferable) will lie all in your State below Fever 
River, leaving only 70 miles, the distance of this place 
from Fever River. Certainly, if you can, you therefore 
ought to aid my efforts. From here to Rock Island is in 
the Indian country, except the reservations for lead ; be- 
low that (the line from south end Lake Michigan) is 
secured by your treaty of 24 Aug., 18 16, to U. S. The 
mail could pass the whole distance and not spend one 
night in the Ind. country. From here to Turkey R. (Cass- 
ville), 25 m. first night; 2d night, 45 m., Galena, Jo Daviess 
county; start in the eyening from Galena, and 3d night 
stay at Gratiot's diggings, 15 miles; 4th night, Rock Island 
Fort, 45 m.; from there I am unacquainted with the road, 
and wish you to write on, if you please, to the Postmaster- 
General and give him an account of that section of the 



324 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

route. Or of the one by Peoria, as you may deem best in 
your judgment, to which I would readily yield, as you 
know the country better than I do. You, no doubt, saw 
the report of Osian M. Ross and 2 other persons who 
viewed and marked the route from Springfield to Fever 
River by way of Lewiston last spring. They say the 
distance is only 205 miles from Springfield to Galena. I 
estimated it at 225. They report the road to be excellent, 
and that several loaded wagons proceeded directly after 
them upon their route and found no obstructions in the 
way except Rock R. If the route can be made to run by 
the Fort this difficulty can be removed, as the land there 
is within our limits, free from any danger from Indians 
from its vicinity to the Fort, and some person can be got 
to settle at the ferry, if the Government will extend any 
privilege to him as to the ferry. The route by Peoria 
crosses R. R. in the Winnebago country. A glance at the 
map with your knowledge of this country will make all 
this plain to you. 

A word about the Winnebagoes. By-the-by, you could 
do something in the furtherance of my views if you have 
time and disposition to do it, the latter I can never doubt. 
I have met many of them, and numbers are calling to see 
me every week. Indians are very curious and like to see 
and feel all who are placed near them. They remain as 
yet very quiet, and are engaged in hunting and those who 
come bring some furs and venison. I am, as you know, a 
novice at Indian affairs. Yet I am unable to conquer my 
suspicions that there is much dissatisfaction amongst the 
nation in relation to the people of the U. S., and I am 






LETTER OE JOS. M. STREET. 325 

thoroughly convinced that if the Winnebagoes could in- 
duce any other tribe or tribes to join them, a stubborn 
resistance would be made to the execution of the Red Bird. 
He is a favourite of his people, and has obtained a high 
reputation amongst the whites previous to the late most 
unprovoked murders. You, no doubt, have had a particu- 
lar account of his voluntary surrender of himself. This 
manly, chivalric act, his open, free, and high bearing at 
the time, has something more than ordinary in it. Dressed 
in his Yancton uniform of white unsoiled skins with a fine 
white dressed skin robe cast loosely across his shoulders, 
and mounted on a mettlesome horse with a white flag in 
his hand, and marching into the camp of Whistler, uncon- 
fined, with a pleasant unclouded brow to deliver himself 
up as a murderer, is a little out of the ordinary course of 
such things amongst us. You, perhaps, have seen him. 
He is a tall, well-made, straight Indian, about 38 or 40, 
and a very pleasant countenance. There is nothing re- 
markable in the other 7 prisoners, if you except Red Bird's 
son, a lad of about 12 or 15. He is a pleasant, smiling 
boy. Confinement goes hard with the Red Bird, and he 
does not have good health, but if a white man calls to see 
him all the nobility of a great savage appears to light up 
his seemingly intelligent features, and a stranger would 
point to him as no every-day character. I wish the trial 
and execution of the murderers was past. If a strong 
force is not present when Red Bird is to be hanged if con- 
victed (of which I can see no reason to doubt), I shall not 
feel free from apprehension of danger. There is an opinion 
prevalent at St. Louis and amongst some here, that the 



326 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Winnebagoes are greatly alarmed at late events. The)- 
were much alarmed at the time Gen'l A. and the 111. volun- 
teers were in their country. The movement was sudden, 
beyond what the Indians had been accustomed to, and the 
expected reinforcements from Illinois under your order for 
*4 the militia, was calculated to take them by surprise; 
and at the time had its effect. Since then they seem to be 
gradually awakening, as it were, from a deep sleep; until 
their fears are given to the winds and there is dead still- 
ness — a portentious calm that all my secret endeavors can 
not unravel. They cannot be induced to talk on the sub- 
ject. And they come and go, ask no questions about the 
prisoners, and if told of their health, answer to any men- 
tion of them Uh! Say they are well or sick it is immaterial 
— uh! — is the answer. And it is evident they wish to avoid 
the mention of them. At the same time the wives and 
relatives of the prisoners are greatly attended to. The 
wife of Red Bird does not come near. I learn she is ricli, 
as Red Bird was the best hunter in his nation, and great 
attention is paid to her by the nation. The chiefs who 
have visited me profess their friendship; but somewhat 
anxiously enquire when they may expect their Great 
Father will settle the line and mark it between their coun- 
try and the whites at the mines. They say, "we have left 
our country to keep our young men from having any thing 
to do with the people at the mines until we hear from 
our Great Father. This is our promise to Gen'l Atkinson, 
and we will keep it." They add, "Gen'l A. promised us 
that next summer persons should come from our G. F. to 
council with us about this matter and we will wait and see 
them." 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 327 

1828, Jan'y 1. 

An old mail has arrived from Fever River from whence 
our messenger who was to have gone to Rock Island re- 
turned. He met the P. M. there, who sent him back with 
the old mail, directing his young man here to send him 9 
or 10 trains to draw up his m'd'z. Now when all things 
.suit the P. M.'s convenience to bring up his m'd'z., we shall 
be favoured with a mail. I hardly know how to speak 
patiently of such conduct! 

It is with sentiments of sympathetic sorrow, that I notice 
the death of my friend, Mr. Cook. He was a clean politi- 
cian — and a "ripe and a good one." Few men in the U. S. 
at his time of life, had entered so completely into a knowl- 
edge of the politicks of the U. S., both at home and in 
its foreign relations. I am apprehensive Illinois is not 
destined soon to be so ably represented upon the floor of 
Congress. I saw it but a moment past when about to close 
my letter. It has cast a gloom o'er me and dashed some 
bright anticipations that were floating in my mind for 111. 

Should you correspond with any person at W. City 
likely to do me any good, you w'd greatly oblige me by 
casually mentioning me as one of the commissioners to 
treat with the Winnebagoes next summer. I am here, and 
it w'd be a little mortifying if some person was sent here, 
over my head, to treat with these Indians. Make my re- 
spects to Mrs. Edwards and Ninian, and suffer me to renew 
to you assurances of my high respect and deep obligations. 

Your friend, 

Gov. Ninian Edwards, Jos. M. Street. 

Belleville. 111. 



328 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. 

Executive Department, Illinois, 
28th Jan., 1828. ' 
SIR: — It is understood that a letter from you to my 
predecessor or myself, prescribing the manner in which 
the President required the unlocated part of the lands 
granted by the United States to this State, for the use of 
a seminary of learning, to be selected, was received at the 
State Department of the Government, and has been sub- 
sequently mislaid or lost. I regret exceedingly that it 
can not be found, and have no other alternative than to 
request the favor of fresh instructions, hoping that since 
Missouri has been permitted to locate her lands, granted 
for a similar purpose, in unconnected sections, the Presi- 
dent will extend the same indulgence to this State, which 
is now the more necessary to its interest, from the long 
postponement of the location of these lands, and the con- 
sequent diminished range of sejection. 

I have the honor to be, very, &c. 

N. Edwards. 
Secretary of the Treasury, 

Washington City. 






LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN.* 

Springfield, March 24th, 1828. 
Dear Sir: — I received last night a letter from Mr. 

* Hooper Warren was one of the pioneer printers in Illinois. He was an 
honest, painstaking, and conscientious man, struggling always hard to keep 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 329 

Jones. He states that he has had the offer of another 
establishment besides this, but as he has the offer of new 
materials, he should accept of neither. It now occurs to 
me that it is best to advertise this for sale, to do which 
your consent is necessary. It may be advertised by me 
without a commitment as to ownership, in this way: "The 
subscriber wishing to relinquish the printing business, the 
establishment of the Sangamo Spectator is offered for sale," 
&c. Its location is certainly improving, and will induce 
many young printers, wishing to embark in the business, 
to make the purchase. 

his head above water, financially. The early printers and publishers in this 
State had a hard time. Subscribers were few, and advertising amounted to 
but little. It was most difficult at that time for a newspaper man to eke out 
a bare subsistence. Pretty much all that kept the newspapers alive were the 
contributions of politicians, who deemed it necessary to have an " organ". 
Mr. Warren was one of the original anti-slavery men in the State, and was 
the editor of the Spectator, published at Edwardsville during the great slavery 
struggle in 1823-4. 

It was the first distinctively anti-slavery paper ever published in the State. 
It opposed very strongly the convention resolution, but had previously, in the 
gubernatorial contest of 1822, opposed the election of Edward Coles for 
governor, for personal reasons. Coles was at this time a resident of Edwards- 
ville. A fight had taken place between Warren and one Watkins, a half- 
brother of Henry Clay, and Watkins was arrested. Coles, who was a great 
friend and correspondent of Mr. Clay, went bail for Watkins; which gave 
mortal offence to Warren. Though a mild-tempered man and a man of 
peace, this was not the only scrimmage he was in. The pro-slavery paper in 
Edwardsville, during the convention fight, was the Republican, of which Judge 
Theophilus W. Smith was one of the editors. War raged with great vio- 
lence at this time between the two editors, and Smith undertook to cow- 
hide Warren. * ailing in his purpose, he drew a dirk on him. Warren then 
pulled out his pistol; but the combatants were separated before any harm 
came to either. 

In 1841, Hooper Warren, in conjunction with Zebina Eastman— another 
anti-slavery man— established at Lowell, LaSalle County, an anti-slavery 
paper, called the Genius of Liberty. The paper was subsequently removed to 
Chicago, and became the Western Citizen. 



330 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I have duly considered the subject of your letter, and 
my intention to relinquish is the result of necessity. There 
are now but about 170 subscribers, and when the year is 
out, it is probable that one-third or more will withdraw. 
There is nothing that can sustain the paper but new type 
and its enlargement. This I am unable to do, nor would 
I be willing to accept the assistance of my friends to do it. 
I think you have gone as far in patronizing the press for 
public purposes as any man ought to do, without being 
better seconded by his friends, and I would advise you to 
make the most of this, without regard to them. 

Had Mr. Jones accepted my proposition, I had it in 
contemplation to propose to Gatton & Enos to send me 
with goods to Sangamotown to sell for a share of the 
profits. That business is the best that can be now 
engaged in, in this part of the State. I know I am not 
well qualified for it, but I thought I might make a com- 
fortable living by it. 

By advertising the establishment, there is no doubt that 
it may be advantageously sold between this time and fall. 
With the compensation I shall receive from the U. S. I 
shall probably get enough to live on till that time. 

The printing materials at a fair valuation I think would 
amount to about $750. Establishments that are well 
located are generally held from 50 to 100 per cent above 
their cost. A very plausible advertisement might be made 
out respecting this — being in the most populous part of 
.the State, which receives the greater part of emigration — 
at a distance of about 80 miles from any other printing 
office, and not much probability of a rival establishment 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 33 I 

near for many years to come, that it will command the 
official advertising of from 8 to 12 counties, &c. 

I wish you to inform me as soon as possible, if you are 
agreed to advertising, the price you would be willing to 
receive, and the terms of payment you would give. 
I am, very respectfully, sir, your ob't serv't, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency, Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Letter of Joseph M. Street; announces the death of Red Bird, the 
Indian chief, from natural causes; delay in the trial of the other 
Indians; the Indians peacefully awaiting the promised treaty; 
believes he has obtained to a very considerable standing with 
the Indians, and gained the respect of the whites at Prairie du 
Chien; Indians deeply impressed with his great importance and 
consider him a "great chief"; his voluminous communications 
to the secretary of war; his long absence from his family; 
letter of Hooper Warren; "is heartily tiried of struggling for a 
subsistence in a laborious, unprofitable, and thankless business"; 
newspapers have but little influence, readers are few, and are 
taught to believe that all that appears in a newspaper is a lie ; 
a printing establishment a poor investment; Colonel Cox pre- 
paring to "keep entertainment", has quit drinking and appears a 
new man; letters of Governor Edwards to General Clark; the 
the governor out of patience with the government for so long 
delaying the removal of the Indians from the ceded lands in this 
State; suggests that force must be substituted for persuasion 
in dealing with the Indians; if government will not remove 
Indians, he will not hesitate to do so on his own responsibility; 
letter of John McLean, postmaster -general, in regard to the 
accounts of Daniel P. Cook; intimate and friendly relations 
always existing between Governor Edwards and Mr. Cook with 
Mr. McLean. 

LETTER OF JOSEPH M. STREET. 

St. Louis, 27th March, 1828. 
On board the Bolivar for home. 
Dear Sir: — I have been so busily engaged since my 
arrival here, that I had not an opportunity of writing to 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 333 

you, and from your long silence I feel uneasy least you 
should have either forgotten me, or desired our corre- 
spondence to cease. I wrote you from Prairie du Chien, 
and have long anxiously examined the office for a line 
from you. It is difficult to express that kind of unpleasant 
feeling which would be the consequence of a conviction 
that my fears are correct. Be it as it may I can never 
forget my obligations to you, and shall ever seize every 
opportunity to evince my entire and devoted friendship 
for you. 

The Indians are all quiet and promise to remain so. 
The Red-Bird died the 16th ult'o, of a bowel complaint, 
the other 7 Indians are in confinement, and are expected 
to be tried the 2nd Monday in May. The Indians are 
much dissatisfied with the delay, and would have been 
perfectly content that they should have been shot at the 
time. Noiv I apprehend something unpleasant from a 
reaction arising out of the delay. The most influential 
chiefs unite in the strongest assurances of uninterrupted 
peace until the promised Treaty this summer. A member 
of Congress says: "Mr. Barbour told me Cass and Mc- 
Kinney would be the commissioners, and the arrangements 
would take place so soon as the appropriation bill passes." 

I have not spent this winter idle, nor have I neglected 
to avail myself of your friendly advice in my intercourse 
with the Indians, I have, I believe, attained to very con- 
siderable standing with the Indians, and have gained the 
respect and affections of the principal whites at Prairie 
du Chien. The Indians I learn from others are deeply 
impressed with my importance and consider me a great 



334 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

chief. I may be guilty of great egotism in this account ; 
but I would not venture to make it to one who will not 
place it to the proper account. To a friend on whose plan 
and advice I am acting, I could not do less than assure 
him of my success in persuing his admonitions. 

I have made 3 very volumnious communications to the 
Secretary of War, containing each 10 or 12 pages, and 
such portions as I have submitted to particular friends 
(Eastivardly confidentially) are pronounced "able." Could 
I have spared the time from my family / should like to 
have seen you. I have been so long away I am very 
unhappy until I again see them, I have resolved not to^ 
return without them, and shall go on early in May with 
my family. If I am detained here any time I will hire 
a horse and come to see you. 

In my recommendation I have strongly urged the pur- 
chase of all the mining district up to a line due south 
from the portage of the Wisconsin to the line drawn due 
west from the south end of Lake Michigan. The most 
valuable mineral lands are entirely east of the lands of 
the Ottoways, Chippeways, and Pottowattomies of the 
Illinois. I sent an exploring expedition out in that direc- 
tion this winter, and have laid down a pretty correct map 
of the country, one copy of which I forwarded to the 
Secretary of War, and would have been gratified to have 
shown you the other. 

On politicks I say not one word. I hope to become a 
useful and important Indian Agent, and shall leave it to 
others to squable about the election of a President. 

I saw Miss Margarette, and was with her occasionally 



LETTER OF JOS. M. STREET. 335 

two days at Gen'l Clark's, and was much gratified to learn 
you were well. The boat is about to put off. Make my 
respects to Mrs. E. and believe me your friend, with pro- 
found respect and high consideration, 

Jos. M. Street. 

kP. S. A printed bill sent on to me from Mr. C. I see 
ntains an appropriation for the militia of Illinois and 
ichigan Territory. J. M. S. 

NlNlAN Edwards, Governor of Illinois, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Springfield, April ist, 1828. 

Dear Sir: — I received by last mail your letter of 26th 
ult. I had previously sent you one giving information of 
Mr. Jones declining to purchase this establishment, and 
requesting your consent to advertise it for sale, which, it 
appears, you had not received at the date above men- 
tioned. Although from the tenor of your last letter, I 
might infer authority to advertise, I nevertheless think it 
proper to receive your instructions on that particular 
point. 

In my letter referred to, I said I would not be willing 
to receive the assistance of my friends in improving this 
establishment. I am heartily tired of struggling for a 
subsistence in a laborious, unprofitable, and thankless 
business. I duly appreciate your offer, but in candor I 
must say, that during our whole acquaintance I have 
drawn too much upon your indulgence, and that I could 



336 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

not consent to the proposal unless I were convinced I 
should thereby render you a service. That this would not 
be the case, I am certain, unless you have political views, 
and even then, in the present state of things, the end 
could not be much promoted by the undertaking. News- 
papers at present have but little influence, especially in 
this State. The readers are but few, and these are taught 
to believe that all that appears in a newspaper is a lie of 
course. It would, moreover be a continual expense to you, 
without a corresponding income. The expenses would be 
certain, and would have to be promptly met, while the 
income would be doubtful and slow in its forthcoming. 
In the mean time I should have to take my living out of it, 
and you lay out of your money. I believe it to be a fact, 
that there is no printing establishment in the U. S. than 
which the same capital invested in other pursuits, would 
not be more profitable. There are but few establishments 
in the country that do make money, and those are such 
as have a commanding, monopolizing patronage. Yet there 
are thousands eager to engage in it. In the old settled 
parts of the country there is no business more completely 
overdone. For this reason I am persuaded this office 
might be advantageously sold by advertising. Gen. James 
Adams has a brother-in-law in Utica, N. Y., a printer, who 
I suppose wishes to establish himself in this country, as 
the General some time ago asked me if I would be willing 
to take him as a partner. 

Col. Cox has re-entered his house, and is preparing to 
keep entertainment. He has quit drinking and appears a 
new man. There is something inexplicable to me about 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 337 

the property. It was sold about the middle of January, 
1827. I asked the Colonel about it last night He said 
there was another sale last summer under an older execu- 
tion, but that he thought at the next court he would set 
both sales aside. It will be too late for you to redeem 
under the first sale after the middle of this month. I will 
however inquire more about it before I seal this letter. 

You wish to know my plans. I have not matured any, 
but intend to be on the lookout for more eligible means of 
living. I would prefer an occupation that would lead me 
•occasionally to travel. I have written to a friend of mine 
in Albany, N. Y., formerly a member of Congress, whose 
family connections in New York and Vermont are distantly 
connected with mine, to apply for an appointment in the 
new Territory of Huron, and bring out a colony, and I 
would join them. I have a great idea of that Territory. 
With mining and agriculture together, times must be good 
there. I anticipate that it will outnumber this State in 
population in a few years. 

I remain, sir, your friend, 

H. Warren. 

P. S. I have just returned from a search for informa- 
tion concerning Cox property. I found no one that knew 
anything about it until I met Mr. Matheny. He says the 
second sale mentioned by Col. Cox, was on the execution 
on the judgment assigned by you to John Reynolds, that 
there being no bidders, it was bought in by Richard 
Taylor for Reynolds, and that the time for a redemption 
by a creditor under the first sale will be out about the 
15th of this month. The sale took place a few days after 
22 



33^ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

my arrival at this place with my family on the ioth 
January, 1827. H. W. 

His Excellency NlNIAN EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTERS OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
GENERAL CLARK* 

Belleville, III., 25th May, 1828. 
SIR: — The inclosed letters are for your inspection. You 
will please return them. I have only time to ask you 
whether any, and what definitive arrangements have been 
made for removing the Indians from the ceded lands of 
this State, in pursuance of the directions of the Secretary 
of War, and what is the prospect of immediate success? 
The Secretary's letter gave me reason to believe that this 
measure would have been accomplished before this time. 
The General Government has been applied too long 
enough for its own action to have freed us from so serious 
a grievance. If it declines acting with effect, those Indians 
will be removed, and that very promptly. 
Very respectfully I am, sir, 

Your mo. ob't s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Gen'l Clark, Superintendent, &c. 

* Governor Edwards was evidently out of all patience with the genera? 
government which had so long delayed to remove the Indians from the ceded 
lands in this State. He therefore gives notice to General Clark that "if it 
declined acting with effect, those Indians will be removed, and that very 
promptly. " 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 339 

Belleville, III., May 29th, 1828. 

Sir: — I have, this moment, received, and sincerely thank 
you for your letter of the 26th inst, with its important 
enclosures. The proofs furnished by the latter, of a hostile 
disposition on the part of the Indians occupying the ceded 
lands of this State would, of themselves, render it a duty 
to insist upon their prompt removal agreeably to the 
expectations so unequivocally authorized by the Hon. 
Secretary of War. Aggravated as that hostility must be, 
by the recent unfortunate conflict, as communicated by 
Major Ross, that measure is imperatively demanded by 
a just regard to the safety of our frontier settlers. 

I am too well informed of your own personal exertions 
to prevail upon those Indians to remove, and of your 
str6ng desire to preserve tranquility between them and the 
citizens of this State, to doubt that you have done all that 
can be accomplished without actual coercion. And observ- 
ing as you do, "that repeated exertions have been made, 
for several years past, to induce those Indians to remove 
from the ceded lands of Illinois, particularly by the Agent 
and Sub- Agents of those tribes," I trust you must see the 
necessity of substituting force, for persuasion. However 
justifiable might be a temporizing course on the part of 
the General Government, were this now one of its Terri- 
tories, it has no right to authorize, even temporarily, an 
invasion of the rights of a sovereign and independent 
State, and therefore were the President himself to assent 
to the request of the Kickapoo Prophet and his party to 
remain another year at their present village it would not 
be submitted to. 



340 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

It is obvious from your communication that a part at 
least of those Indians, do not intend to remove until next 
year, I therefore beg leave to ask you, whether force will 
be resorted to, to compel them to do so? If you are not 
authorized to answer this inquiry, I permit myself to hope 
you will lose no time in consulting the President on the 
subject. In the meantime I request the favor of you to 
apprize those Indians, as soon as possible, that whatever 
may be the President's determination, it is not at all prob- 
able that they will be permitted to remain, and that if any 
act of hostility shall be committed on the frontier, I shall 
not hesitate to remove them on my own responsibility. 
I have the honor to be, 
Very respectfully, sir, your mo. ob't s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Gen'l Clark, &c. 



LETTER OF JOHN McLEAN * 

Washington, 13 June, 1828. 
Dear SIR: — You will see from Mr. Clay's report to the 
President, published in the enclosed paper, that Mr. Cook's 
account has not been finally adjusted. From his note, 
which, if I mistake not, I transmitted to you, I was under 
an impression that there was nothing due for the late ser- 
vices of Mr. Cook. If you have the note, and would en- 
close it to me, I should be gratified. 

* This letter was written when Mr. McLean was postmaster-general under 
John Quincy Adams. The most intimate and friendly relations always existed 
between Governor Edwards and Mr. Cook with Mr. McLean. 



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LETTER OF JOHN MCLEAN. 341 

It appears to me that the salary of Mr. Cook ought to 

be continued until his decease, as he was on his way to 

Washington, and was prevented from prosecuting his 

journey by disease. In coming to Washington he was 

as much in the service of the Government as while at 

Cuba. With great respect, 

Your ob't serv't, 

John McLean. 
Gov. Edwards. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to the secretary of war; demands to 
know what measures have been taken to remove the Indians 
from the ceded lands in Illinois; letter to John McLean of Illi- 
nois; tenders him the olive branch; treats of the senatorship, and 
of the election of a Congressman; the election of Gen. Duncan 
to Congress; Smith, Kinney, West, Reynolds, Bond, Kane, and 
others would be for him, while all would be opposed to McLean; 
Smith has declared opposition to him, and is the life and soul of 
the party opposed to him; what will be Smith's management 
to obtain the election of senator? ; exposes the schemes of these 
men; thinks an alliance with Forquer would be more advan- 
tageous than one with Duncan; the object of Smith, Kinney, 
and Co. ; they would disfranchise every man who would happen 
to differ from them in opinion; the election of Forquer to Con- 
gress would ensure the election of McLean to the senate; little 
known of John McLean at the present day; McLean County 
named in his honor; his official career; member of the legis- 
lature and speaker of the house of representatives, twice elected 
U. S. senator, first for a short term, second time for a full term; 
dies at Shawneetown, after serving for the long session of the 
long term ; beautiful and fitting tribute paid to his memory by 
his surviving colleague, Elias Kent Kane; sketches of him by 
Governor Reynolds, Governor Ford, and William H. Brown; 
another letter of Governor Edwards to John McLean; further 
speculations in regard to congressional matters; Fever River 
an important factor in elections at this time; will not go for 
Pope for senator; letter of Sidney Breese; writes in relation to 
ordering an election for the legislature from Randolph County, 
to fill a vacancy occasioned by the death of John Lacy; wants 
to get a friend elected. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 343 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF WAR. 

Belleville, Illinois, 17th June, 1828. 

SIR: — In the course of last year I had the honor to 
address your predecessor on the subject of the removal of 
various tribes of Indians from the ceded lands of this 
State, and I beg leave to refer to his answer, to show 
that it justified a reasonable expectation that the ener- 
gies of the Government, if necessary, would before this 
time, have been exerted to protect us from an annoy- 
ance which no free and independent State of this Union 
is bound to submit to; but with which, this has been 
outrageously harassed for years past 

This grievance still continuing, and aggravated as it 

lias become by recent occurences, of which I am bound 

to presume you are informed, I feel it my duty to ask 

you, what further measures in regard to this matter may 

be expected from the General Government? 

I have the honor to be, &c, 

N. Edwards. 
Hon. Sec. War. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
JOHN McLEAN OF ILLINOIS.* 

Vandalia, 24th June, 1828. 

[CONFIDENTIAL.] 
Dear Sir: — Authorized by what passed between us 
last winter, to consider all former enmities at an end, 

* Perhaps less is known at the present day of John McLean than any public 
man of his day who occupied such a distinguished position. His name and 



344 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

and confiding in your honor, I address this confidential 
communication to you, under the expectation that, if its. 

memory seem to have almost died out in the State, and it is now practically 
impossible to gather much of anything in relation to his personal history. 
That which is most generally known at the present day is the fact that one of 
our great interior counties — McLean — was named in his honor, when organ- 
ized, December 25th, 1830, only a few weeks after his death. 

John McLean was born in North Carolina in 1 791. When four years old, 
his father removed to Logan County, Kentucky. The son, after acquiring a 
limited education, studied law, and in the year 1815 settled in Shawneetown, 
where he entered upon the practice of his profession. His first appearance in 
public life was as the first representative in Congress from the State of Illi- 
nois, elected in 1818 — beating Daniel P. Cook by a majority of fourteen votes, 
after an exciting contest in which both candidates greatly distinguished them- 
selves. His next appearance in political life was as representative from Galla- 
tin County in the legislature of 1820-2. 

He was again elected to the house from the same county in 1826 and in 
1828, becoming speaker of the house for both terms. He was first elected to 
the United States senate in 1824, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Governor Edwards and to serve out the remainder of his term,, 
which expired March 4, 1825. The resignation of Governor Edwards made 
a vacancy which could have been filled by a gubernatorial appointment, but 
Governor Coles declined to appoint any person to hold until the next meeting 
of the legislature, as that event was so near at hand that the appointee would 
have but a very short time to serve. Jesse B. Thomas was the colleague of 
McLean at this time, and Daniel P. Cook was the only representative from 
Illinois. 

In 1829, Mr. McLean was again elected senator for six years to succeed 
Jesse B. Thomas. The question as to whom should be the successor of Mr. 
Thomas was agitated a long time before the election was to take place, and 
the letters here given of Governor Edwards and Mr. McLean are in respect of 
that election, and they are certain to be read with a very great interest by all 
persons who desire to familiarize themselves in the early political history of 
the State. Whatever doubts there may have been in regard to the election of 
Mr. McLean, they were dissipated before the election took place. He received 
the unanimous vote of both houses of the legislature — a circumstance without 
a parallel in the history of our State. When the bank mania was sweeping 
over the State, Mr. McLean was the speaker of the house of representatives, 
and attacked the whole system with a boldness and vigor which gave great 
uneasiness to the bank party. To obtain a hearing he was obliged to resign 
his position as speaker, as the house had refused to go into committee of the 
whole where he could be heard. Indignant at the treatment which he had 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 345 

objects do not meet your approbation, you will return it 
to me and say nothing about it. 

received, he made a speech remarkable for its ability and eloquence, and pre- 
dicted all the consequences which resulted from the establishment of that 
banking system. * 

He took his seat as senator on the 7th day of December, 1829, and served 
through the long session until its adjournment, May 31st, 1830. He died after 
a short illness at his home in Shawneetown, October 14, 1830. At the com- 
mencement of the short session of that Congress, on the 9th day of December, 
1830, his surviving colleague, Hon. Elias Kent Kane, announced his death in 
the senate, and in beautiful and fitting language paid a just tribute to his 
memory. "In private life," said Mr. Kane, "he was remarkable for his 
benevolence, frankness, and independence of character. No one in the circle 
in which he moved had a larger share of the confidence and affection of his- 
fellowmen. He was by profession a lawyer, possessed of a vigorous mind, 
and a rapid but easy elocution. These qualifications, added to an honesty of 
purpose universally accorded to him, raised him to the front rank of his pro- 
fession, and there sustained him. As a stateman, the people of Illinois would 
long remember him as the author of many of the most valued portions of their 
statute books, and as the acute and able presiding officer over the deliberation 
of the most numerous branch of their legislature. " 

Both of the terms of service of Mr. McLean in the United States senate 
were too short to enable him to acquire that distinction which he would have 
otherwise secured. The cotemporaries of Mr. McLean in this State are now 
nearly all dead. Pretty much all that is known of him now is by tradition 
and through the brief notices of him that have been made by the historians of 
the State. The most life-like portraiture of him is by Governor Reynolds in 
his "Pioneer History of Illinois". He regards him as one of the greatest of 
our pioneeis. He describes him as "a man of gigantic mind, of noble and 
manly form, and a lofty and dignified bearing. His person was large, and 
formed on that natural excellence which at once attracted the attention and 
admiration of all beholders. The vigor and compass of his mind were 
exceedingly great, and his eloquence flowed in torrents, deep, strong, and 
almost irresistable. " The Governor contends that there was no man in Illinois 
before or since his day that surpassed him in pure, natural eloquence. No 
man possessed a stronger hold upon the people than he did, and his death 
was considered a great public calamity. 

Mr. William H. Brown, in a memoir of the late Hon. Daniel P. Cook, 
read before the Chicago Historical Society, speaks of Mr. McLean as a gen- 
tleman possessed of fine talents and unblemished character, who was in his 

* "Ford's History of Illinois." 



34^ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

You have been for many years an attentive and watch- 
ful observer of my conduct, and I may confidently say, 
you have always found me true to my friends, and have 
never seen one single instance that would justify a sus- 
picion that I had not always been faithful to my engage- 
ments, or that I had authorized expectations without the 
most inflexible determination to fulfil them. So far, I 
•can not doubt you are willing to concede to me, however 
objectionable you may consider portions of my conduct, 
to which these principles may have on some occasions 
led me. I therefore flatter myself that I may address 
you with entire frankness, without any danger of having 
my sincerity questioned. 

Without intending to commit myself to any course, or 
to preclude myself from acting any part which future cir- 
cumstances may seem to require of me, I have no hesita- 
tion in declaring to you not only as I did last winter, 
that I have no disposition to oppose your election to 
the Senate of the U. S., but that I at present sincerely 
wish you success, and would be happy if any exertions 
of mine could ensure it. I have never forgotten that your 
father was one of my earliest and warmest friends, and 
notwithstanding the relations in which we have often 
stood to each other, I have felt less hostility towards you, 
than regret for the occasions that have arrayed us in 
opposition to each other. We have both our faults. I 

time one of the most popular men in the State, and possessed in a rare degree 
the esteem of all who enjoyed his personal acquaintance. Governor Ford 
speaks of him as being possessed of a fertility of genius and of an overpower- 
ing eloquence. It is not now known that John McLean has a single relative 
living in the State of Illinois. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 347 

am sensible of mine, and not altogether ignorant of 
yours. We both stand in need of some allowances. I 
am ready, from the most disinterested motives, to make 
many, and I mistake your natural disposition if you are 
less disposed to make some. Without any object there- 
fore to divide us, perseverance in future hostility would 
not even have the apology of a reasonable motive. Some 
advantages might even result to you from a different 
course. For I shall not be in your way, and would be 
glad to aid you, if I could see a fair opportunity of 
doing so. And this I say whether Mr. Pope shall be a 
candidate or not. He has no chance to be elected, 
though efforts are making to convince his friends that 
he would at least be the second choice of Smith, West, 
J no. Reynolds, the Duncans, &c, and the first choice 
of some of them, Whatever may be the cause, he is 
"upon the fence" as to Forquer and Duncan, and though 
I will fall out with no one for his neutrality in relation to 
our local affairs, I will not act for, and can not wish any 
man success, who, under similar circumstances, chooses to 
occupy such ground. And hence, I have so often de- 
clined to respond to the various attempts to draw me 
out in relation to Mr. Pope's pretensions, that my aid 
is not, as it need not be, calculated on for him. His 
neutrality cancels all claims upon me to be otherwise 
in regard to his election. To your neutrality I have 
no reason to object. And though, both of you occupy- 
ing this ground, I should certainly wish you success, 
it is probable that the relation in which he and I have 
hitherto stood might induce me to decline taking any 
part in a contest between you and him. 



34-8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Hoping that I am distinctly understood, I will now 
proceed to submit to your deliberate reflection a few 
remarks upon the present state of affairs. "A word 
to the wise is enough." I shall therefore barely inti- 
mate the views I entertain. 

Judging from the remarks you made to me last winter, 
concerning Gen'l Duncan, I should suppose you neither 
consider him as having claims to, nor qualifications for 
the station of Representative of this State in Congress. 
How then is his election to operate upon you? He can 
not be elected but upon the Presidential question. His 
election would strengthen and be a complete triumph to 
the most prominent of the Jackson party, to those who 
have given themselves the lead, who intend to be con- 
sidered the heads of the party, who from the stations 
they occupy, the newspaper they have got up, the zeal 
they ostentatiously display, have the fairest chance in the 
world to be so considered. These are Smith, Kinney, 
West, Reynolds, Bond, Kane, &c. They will claim the 
credit of Duncan's election, and if zeal and energy can 
entitle them to it, they will deserve it. He must recog- 
nize and be prepared to requite that claim. He prefers 
them to you, and it is natural he should do so, from 
remarks you are known to have made about him. But 
were he otherwise disposed, how could he benefit you? 
He has no particular friends of his own that he could 
influence in your favor. They are combined to divide 
the loaves and fishes among themselves. He could not, 
and if he could would not oppose them. They yielded 
him a more cordial support at the last election than you 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 349 

did. There is no man to whom they are more opposed 
than yourself, and this merely because they consider you 
in their way. Smith has openly declared opposition to 
you in terms of degrading reproach, and evidencing the 
most determined hostility. He has not hesitated to avow 
his preference of both, Judge Lockwood and Judge Pope, 
and he, you may be assured of it, is the life and soul of 
the party, and without timely and vigorous exertions, will 
be the Senator. He is managing most dexterously for 
that purpose, and by affecting an unpretending course, 
will contrive to keep up the spirit of rivalship between 
Kinney, Reynolds, and Bond so as to render them un- 
willing to yield to each other and finally dispose them to 
settle down upon himself. At the same time, by his 
professions of friendship for Judges Lockwood and Pope 
(neither of whom he considers likely to be in his way), 
he hopes, if not entirely to conciliate their friends, at 
least to neutralize their opposition. And I am mistaken, 
if his success in the latter is not greater than was to 
have been supposed. Not only Smith, but West, Jno. 
Reynolds, and Snyder, all candidates for the Legislature, 
profess to prefer Mr. Pope to any one else. Some 
people do not understand these demonstrations, but they 
can not deceive me. At all events, some one of these 
men will be your competitor. Who ever he may be, 
Duncan's election will give him additional strength. It 
is worse than folly to calculate upon any advantage to 
you from jarring and division among them, Kane knows 
how to prevent that. But if the worst come Jno. Reyn- 
olds would be satisfied with Smith's present station, 



350 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Kinney with the promise of succeeding me, and Bond 
to hold his present office a little longer, till their power 
can become completely consolidated by the Union of all 
the stations in Congress and all the principal offices in 
the State. While they had Cook and myself to contend 
with your services were important to them. It can not 
have escaped your penetration that they have long since 
come to the conclusion that they can do without you, 
and would sooner dispense with your co-operation than 
allow you the chance of stepping into the high places 
which they themselves want to occupy. You have there- 
fore nothing to hope for from these men, and everything 
to lose by permitting them to gain the ascendency for 
which they are so vigorously struggling. 

But may not Duncan's election be more adverse to you 
in other respects than Forquer's? 

Should you lose the election to the Senate, which, with- 
out the utmost exertions, is very probable, you would not, 
I persume, wish to lessen your chance of going, if so dis- 
posed, to the House of Representatives. Look forward 
then, to the next census so near at hand. The State will 
then have to be divided into Congressional districts. For- 
quer, who can not be kept down, will be permanently 
located in Springfield. Duncan and you will be more likely 
to be found in the same district even if there should be 
three. This will certainly be the case if there be but two. 
Were one to begin at the base line on the Mississippi, then 
run east to the 3d principal meridian, thence with the latter 
to the northern boundary of the State, thence with said 
boundary to the Mississippi and down the same to the 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 35 I 

beginning it would contain more than half the population 
of the State. Throw this district even farther north, and 
it would only be the more certain to leave you and Dun- 
can in the same district. By supporting him then you 
would be putting up a rival and increasing the power of 
a formidable combination who would lose no opportunity 
of keeping him up and yon, down. Why? Because they 
dread you as a rival, fear nothing from him, and would 
calculate upon rendering any strength they might give 
him, available to themselves. And remember, as I told 
you last winter, that his want of capacity to take an active 
part in the business of the House, by causing him to de- 
vote more of his time to correspondence with his constitu- 
ents, will render it the more difficult to compete with him. 

On the other hand, would not harmony and co-opera- 
tion between you and Mr. Forquer promise advantage to 
you both? He will be out of your way, can have no 
interest in opposing you, and is too generous, high-minded 
and fearless, not to fully appreciate, and reciprocate your 
friendship. You can mutually aid and strengthen each 
other. You have both to encounter the same opposition; 
a powerful combination from which neither of you can 
hope for anything, without descending to means which I 
natter myself, you would both scorn; with reciprocal con- 
fidence in each other, what is there to prevent a common 
cause, a common interest, from producing a harmonious 
union between you? This would, I should think, be cer- 
tain to bring about an equally harmonious co-operation 
between your respective friends. 

Again, how would your open and avowed support of 
Mr. Forquer operate upon you? 



352 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I have already showed that you have nothing to hope 
for from the combination that have taken Gen'l Jackson 
into their special keeping, because they wish to gain for 
themselves the same object which you desire. As your 
own Jackson friends will suport you it is probable the 
Administration party (Mr. Forquer's friends), having no 
candidate of their own, will be able to decide the election. 
How then will they be most likely gained? Smith, Kinney 
& Co. insist upon making the Presidential question con- 
trol every election in the State, which is, in effect, to pro- 
scribe and disfranchise every man who happens to differ 
in opinion with them. In vain should we boast of the 
right of opinion and freedom of speech if demagogues can 
prevail upon the people, the legitimate source of power, to 
subject the exercise of those privileges to such severe 
penalties. Laws for this purpose could not render those 
penalties a whit more unjust and oppressive. Those, 
against whom they are denounced can not but regard 
them with indignant reprobation. This, therefore, must 
be a poor way to gain the Administration men, and can 
scarcely secure the sanction of resonable, dispassionate, 
and just Jackson men. Consolidation has hitherto been 
the terror of the great Republican party of the Union. 
Why? Because of the danger of submitting the local 
affairs of the States to the control and influence of the 
General Government. But if the Presidential election is 
to be made to control the State elections, it must have 
its influence on State affairs, and will eventuate in the 
most dangerous species of consolidation in fact, by 
strengthening the Executive Department of the Federal 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 353 

Government the most powerful and most to be dreaded. 
Besides, since both Mr. Forquer and his friends utterly 
disclaim all reliance upon the Presidential question for his 
election, and acknowledge beforehand that his success 
should not be considered a test of the relative strength 
of Gen'l Jackson and Mr. Adams, there seems to be no 
reasonable motive for insisting upon considering it as 
such. Adams men are not to be gained by such means 
nor are honest Jackson men to be lost, by opposing a 
principle so anti-republican. Can you then doubt that by 
coming out boldly upon these liberal principles (while you 
maintain, with the utmost zeal, your preference for Gen'l 
Jackson), you would be much more likely, than your 
opponents to gain the Administration men and Mr. For- 
quer's friends generally? Or can you believe it possible 
to be elected under existing circumstances without their 
aid? I think you can, by a bold and decided course, com- 
mand their warmest support. To succeed in such a gov't 
as this, boldness and decision are essential. A man's 
enemies are always disposed to put him down. Neutrality 
gains him nothing with them, while it is calculated by 
weakening the confidence of his friends to render them 
willing to give him up, or fearful to trust him. I do most 
sincerely believe, that with your assistance, Forquer's elec- 
tion would be put beyond all doubt, and that his success 
would secure yours. If Gen'l Robinson could be got to 
co-operate heartily, I would be willing to insure both 
events. 

If our views correspond, and you do your part, I shall 
not fail to try my best with my confidential friends to give 
23 



354 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the best impulse I can to your interest and ultimately 
every of assistance in my power. But I have no idea that 
success is attainable without industrious and energetic 
exertion. 

Let me hear from you as soon as possible and tell me 
frankly what you would be at. Anything shall be con- 
fidential that you request to be so considered. No human 
being knows of the writing of this letter. If Forquer 
comes before I send it off I shall show it to him. 

Your mo. ob't s'v't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
John McLean. 

[confidential.] 

Belleville, i July, 1828. 
DEAR Sir: — Since I wrote to you I have seen Mr. For- 
quer, and am authorized to say he fully accords with all I 
wrote you. I find other important friends, and among 
them, Wm. H. Brown of Vandalia, Alfred Cowles of this 
place, and McKee of the land office, at Edwardsville (the 
most influential man in the county), perfectly disposed to 
go for you. Dr. Todd of Springfield, I have no doubt, 
will co-operate. I could mention many others. Don't let 
me be misunderstood in relation to myself. I am uncondi- 
tionally for you, let you take what course you choose in 
relation to the congressional election, and I am now be- 
ginning to feel fully as anxious for your election as for 
Forquer's. His, if the reports brought by all parties from 
Fever river are at all to be relied on, is not the least doubt- 
ful. A new impulse is given to his election in this part of 
the State, where his interest has, as I believe, been pre- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 355 

dominant. Leading Jackson men are taking the most 
active part for him, and the circumstance of his having 
been a mechanic is beginning to operate in some places 
like a charm. My object in writing to you is that you 
may have all the facts before you that are necessary to 
enable you to form a deliberate and correct opinion of the 
course you ought to pursue. I have no right to advise 
you, and if I could, I would not induce you to act against 
the convictions of your own judgment. If I have any 
anxiety for you to support Forquer it is as much on 
your account as his. As some of his friends, you know, 
would have to seem to turn a sort of summerset in going 
for you; a good apology would be the most easy means 
of inducing them to do so. Some probably could not be 
prevailed upon without it, and for my soul I cannot see a 
reasonable motive which you can have for declining to 
afford it. New combinations, I think, are forming; ulti- 
mately Judge Smith or Judge Pope will be your most 
formidable competitor. You can, I think, with Forquer's 
assistance, beat either. You ought to understand how 
things may work, and are probably intended to work. 
Give your own judgment fair play, and you will not be 
taken by surprise. Mr. Pope, it is understood, is, at heart 
in favour of Duncan. It is said that he is more. He is 
therefore thought to be in co-operation with the party that 
supports Duncan. At present he (Mr. Pope) withdraws his 
pretensions for the Senate, still manifesting a willingness, 
however, to be elected. This leaves you entirely to a con- 
test with your old friends; rivalry may make you and 
them bitter against each other. They may eventually 



356 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

become willing to give you up entirely for a new friend, 
if they find they cannot elect one of themselves. Mr. 
Pope is openly an administration man. They may think 
that with their aid, and that of administration men, Mr. 
Pope can be elected, while he has a good chance of con- 
ciliating them to him, as their second choice. It is only 
a few days since that I heard one of Mr. Pope's warmest 
friends suggest the idea that Mr. Kane would like to see 
him out of his way two years hence. This game may be 
played, and it will be a most dangerous one for you. But 
suppose Mr. Pope should not offer at all. What can you 
gain by supporting Duncan? and will you not by doing 
so be strengthening the very men you have to contend 
with? Having no one to oppose, that requires your united 
exertions it is obvious you must split among yourselves. 
As I am one of the last men to give up a friend, you may 
think strange that I will not go for Mr. Pope. The reason 
is plain; if he chooses to leave his old friends I will not 
go with him. It may be that you and I may be as op- 
posite as he and myself in our views and wishes in that 
case, though I shall most sincerely wish you success, yet I 
may not feel myself authorized to take an active part, but 
if I take any part against you, in his favour, I authorize 
you to give any publicity you please to the assurance 
which I now make to you in reference to the next Sena- 
torial election. 

If I had any right to advise you I would endeavor to 
show you how much it would be to your advantage to 
avoid any angry county contest; conciliate your own 
county and turn your attention to the election in the 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 357 

counties up the Wabash in reference to the Senatorial 

election. Your mo. ob. s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Hon. Jno. McLean. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

Kaskaskia, Aug. 24, 1828. 

DEAR Sir: — Understanding you will be at Vandalia on 
the 25th, I have thought proper to inform you that you 
will soon be notified of the death of John Lacy,* our repre- 
sentative elect, and to request you in the name of your 
friends here to defer ordering an election until they can 
more at length communicate with you. We are anxious 
to get a friend elected, and have believed that the chance 
will be best after the Presidential election — of this, how- 
ever, we are not satisfied. We will write you on the sub- 
ject at some other time. I have no news. 

Yours, truly, SIDNEY BREESE. 

Governor EDWARDS, Vandalia. 

P. S. — Judge Smith has taken your exceptions under 
advisement. They were argued at length by Kane and 
your humble serv't. S. B. 



* Thomas Mather, afterward the president of the Illinois State Bank, was 
elected to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John Lacy. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

Letters of John McLean of Illinois; question of the United States 
senatorship; poor opinion of Judge Browne ; meets the advances 
of Governor Edwards frankly; thinks but little of Smith, Kin- 
ney, and West; honest men should unite to prevent the rule 
of unprincipled pretenders; concert among political friends 
honorable when not prostituted to unjust and improper pur- 
poses; letter of Hooper Warren, in regard to the sale of the 
Sangamo " Spectator " ; letters of George Forquer, Alfred 
Cowles and Benjamin Mills; mandamus suit in which Governor 
Edwards was a party; notice of Benjamin Mills; a gifted, 
brilliant, and eloquent man; one of the early lawyers of Galena; 
member of the legislature of 1832-3; chairman of the managers 
to prosecute the impeachment of Judge Smith; his unrivalled 
speech; shows Judge Drummond his notes; "off coat and roll 
up sleeves"; prejudice against Yankees in Illinois; though a 
Kentuckian, Daniel P. Cook stigmatized as a Yankee; anecdote 
of Daniel P. Cook; reminiscences of Benjamin Mills by John 
T. Stuart; the long and honorable career of Mr. Stuart in Illi- 
nois; Mr. Mills runs for Congress against William L. May; 
defeated by unfair means; the vote between Mills and May; 
Mills unrivaled as a conversationist and had a ready and delicate 
wit rarely surpassed; a victim of consumption, like Daniel P. 
Cook he left his Illinois home to breathe his last in the land of 
his birth; John McLean, Benjamin Mills, and Daniel P. Cook, 
three men whose names will always stand out pre-eminent in 
the history of Illinois; though Mills, as a Galenian, was 
defeated for Congress, four other citizens of the same town 
were subsequently elected to that position. 



LETTERS OF JOHN McLEAN OF ILLINOIS. 
Shawnee Town, 5th Sept., 1828. 
DEAR SIR: — It is with much satisfaction that I acknowl- 






LETTER OF JOHN MCLEAN. 359 

edge yours of the 14th ult., and for the information it con- 
tains you have my thanks, and for the interest you feel in 
my prosperity my gratitude.* That the persons you name 
will stop at no point to defeat me in any thing I may 
undertake, I have no doubt; how successful they may be 
depends more upon a union to be formed with those differ- 
ing with me in relation to the next Presidential election 
than upon any strength or influence of their own. Judge 
Wilson, I am confident, will not be a candidate. But 
Judge Browne intends to be one (I may be deceived). But 
I believe he can start with very little strength; yet he 
may make some small division and do some injury. I 
know him to be more implacable, false, unprincipled, and 
ungrateful than any man in 111.; or otherwise he is under 
some delusion that drives him into madness. He may 
defeat me altho' he never can succeed himself. It is from 
this quarter that I have most of combination to appre- 
hend; altho' I am well aware, could I dispose myself to 
act upon them, that I have an abundance of grounds; in 
his conduct during the last election, not only to defeat him 
of office, but, I believe, to remove him from the office he 
holds; yet to do this I have no disposition. I have only 
to add that I will pursue your advice as far as possible, 
and that I will not be a candidate unless my prospect of 
success shall be very fair. My rule of conduct for the 

* The frank and open letter of Governor Edwards to Mr. McLean was met 
in a corresponding spirit by the latter. Mr. McLean evidently wrote under 
considerable excitement, and he anticipated a degree of opposition which was 
never manifested; but he had the supreme satisfaction of having received, as 
hitherto stated, a unanimous vote in the legislature for the senate of the 
United States. 



360 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

future is to serve my friends and not to forget my enemies. 
(In mutual confidence.) Yours, &c, 

J. McLean. 
His Excellency N. EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

Shawanee Town, nth Sept., 1828. 

(CONFIDENTIAL.) 
DEAR Sir : — When I answered yours of the 14th ult., I 
had not received yours of the 24th June, by reason of 
some oversight in the post-office, I suppose; altho' in your 
last you alluded to the former. Not having seen it, I was 
shorter and less particular in my reply than I should 
otherwise have been. I well remember the conversation 
which we had last winter a year, from which you were, 
according to my intention, fully authorized to consider all 
former discord and unfriendly feelings at an end; and I 
am glad you so understood, but much more gratified that 
the sentiment is so fully reciprocated on your part. That 
I have seen things in you which I deemed faults is true, 
and that I am guilty of many myself I am well aware. 
But that you have always been true to your friends and 
faithful to your engagements, I am and have for a long 
time, been fully satisfied; and it has always been to me a 
source of regret that we were, either with or without suffi- 
cient cause, in a state of collision. But that is over, and 
on my part, I assure you that I only recollect it to regret 
that it ever existed. I am also satisfied that the new 
leaders of those with whom I was once publicly associated 
(new men who are deserters to our ranks) are as unprinci- 



LETTER OF JOHN MCLEAN. 36 1 

pled now as they were before they were cast out of the 
ranks to which they formerly belonged; I allude particu- 
larly to Smith, Kinney, and West. As to Reynolds and 
one or two more, I have not yet formed an opinion; 
whether they be dishonest or deluded, to me is yet doubt- 
ful. I hope for the best. That this trio, with a few more 
in their train, are capable of and disposed to use every 
artifice and delusion in their power to thrust themselves 
into office, regardless of the means by which they may 
effect it, I am thoroughly convinced. And I am fully 
satisfied that in Illinois it is high time that the virtuous 
and honourable of all parties should unite to cut short or 
to prevent the rule and reign of unprincipled pretenders. 
As related to my course in the last congressional election, 
I can say to you frankly that the presidential election had 
not the influence of a feather on my mind; as betwixt 
Mr. Duncan and Forquer, all my personal friendship and 
feelings were in favour of the latter, and I was truly sorry 
that there were some circumstances which made it impos- 
sible for me consistently at that time to aid or favour his 
election; these circumstances it would be unnecessary and 
perhaps improper to name, as they were totally distinct 
from either of the individuals or general politicks. I can 
assure you that nothing would be more agreeable to me 
than to cultivate and preserve with Mr. Forquer the strict- 
est friendship, both personal and political, for I believe 
him honourable and worthy. 

When I wrote to you last, perhaps I said a little more 
than I ought to have done about Judge B., he being your 
friend, as I presume; I was a little testy, you will excuse 



362 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

me; not that I retract. But perhaps I should not have 
said it to you. That there should be an understanding 
amongst friends, and concert and mutual assistance in 
politics, as well as in private affairs, I am fully convinced; 
and I am sure no man can justly blame such understand- 
ing or concert so long as it should be honourable, and not 
prostituted to effect unjust and improper purposes; and to 
promote the views or advance the interest of honest and 
honourable individuals never can be such prostitution. 
Altho' I have been for some time engaged in electioneer- 
ing contests, I never practiced upon this principle, fearing 
that I might be trammelled with unworthy individuals; 
and God only knows if I had gone the lengths proposed 
and desired by some professed friends, how I would ever 
have extricated myself. Thank God, I remained free 
until experience has, in some degree, ripened my judg- 
ment, and till acquaintance has enabled me to judge of 
the merit of individuals with some degree of certainty. 
Should I be a candidate this winter for the senate, I think 
my prospect of success flattering, and with your friendship 
and assistance I shall feel pretty certain of success. But 
whether I be elected or not, let me be supported by whom 
I may, my mark is made against a few men, and they 
must feel it before I have done with them. My open 
enemy I can forgive, and forget the wrongs I have suffered 
at his hands, but the insidious pretended friend and secret 
foe can never be forgiven or forgotten until he shall have 
made retribution, just and adequate. 

Your ob't s'rv't, J. McLean. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 363 

LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Springfield, Sept. 13., 1828. 

DEAR Sir: — I have agreed with Mr. Samuel C. Mere- 
dith for the sale of this establishment, by the following 
article: 

"H. Warren, as agent for the proprietor, agrees to sell 
the establishment of the Sangamo Spectator To S. C. Mere- 
dith upon the following conditions, viz.'. The said Meredith 
to execute two several notes in consideration of the pur- 
chase of said establishment, bearing date Nov. 1st, 1828, 
the first for the sum of three hundred dollars, payable one 
year after date; the second, for the sum of seven hundred 
dollars, payable two years after date, both with interest. 

"And the said Meredith agrees to comply with the 
above conditions, and to secure the payment of the said 
notes by a lien upon said printing establishment, in 
such form as may be agreed upon at the time of transfer 
and of the execution of said notes. 

"It is understood by the parties that possession is to be 
given to the said Meredith on or before the first day of 
November next. Sept. 8th, 1828. H. Warren, 

Witness S. C. Meredith. 

J. B. Meredith." 

The above terms are probably the best that could have 
been obtained. I received but one letter on the subject 
in consequence of advertising, and that was from Wm. 
Johnson, a partner in the Patriot at Jackson, Mo. I 
answered him that $1000 was the least I thought of tak- 
ing; and I heard no more of him, until I saw by the 



364 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Patriot that he had purchased out his partner, and taken 
the whole of that concern upon himself. 

Had not this contract been made with Mr. Meredith, 
it is probable the paper would have died a natural death; 
and then the bare materials might have laid upon your 
hands for years, and at last brought no more than half 
the sum now stipulated. 

Mr. M. represented to me that he had $500 due him 
next fall for property he sold in Ohio last year, and that 
he wanted all his available funds to purchase new type, 
&c. The lien will include the new purchases; and there- 
fore if he should fail in making payment, no loss would 
be sustained by you. 

I am apprized that you will shortly receive some affi- 
davits respecting the Indians at the north, which if suffi- 
cently important, will bring you into this quarter before 
long, to carry into effect your threat against them. But 
if this shall not be the case, I wish you to forward me 
your instructions respecting the sale and transfer. Per- 
haps it will be best for you to write the forms in blank 

and send them. I am, sir, 

Yours truly, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency, Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Vandalia, 20th Sept., i82g. 
Dear Sir: — This day the court has awarded a man- 
damus in the case of Beaird against you returnable on 



LETTER OF GEORGE FQRQUER. 365 

Wednesday next. Upon consulation with Messrs. Mills,* 
Brown, and Cowles we have thought it advisable to send 
the bearer to you that you may know what has been 
done, to enable you the better to take your course as to 
what further steps should be taken in the case. Messrs. 

* In running through the papers of Gov. Edwards, we meet here for the first 
time the name of Benjamin Mills, who, if not the ablest, the most gifted, the 
most brilliant, and the most eloquent man in the State during his time, was 
certainly primus inter pares. Born in western Massachusetts, highly educated, 
and thoroughly grounded in the science of the law, Mr. Mills located as a 
lawyer at the Fever- River lead-mines as early as 1826 or 1827. Galena had 
then scarcely an existence; the village, where had gathered together large 
numbers of people who had been attracted thither by rich discoveries of lead- 
ore, was even then called " The Point. " It was a very remote region, a sort 
of tei-ra incognita, and little known to the world at large. The first settlers 
at the Fever- River lead-mines were nearly all from Missouri, Kentucky, Ten- 
nessee, and the southern part of Illinois. 

There were but comparatively few New-England men in Illinois at this time, 
and a "Yankee" was an object of general aversion. But Mr. Mills took 
his chances, and entered upon the practice of his profession. It was a great 
card in politics then to fix upon a candidate the reproach of being a "Yankee". 
Judge Drummond says Mills once told him that the greatest triumph he had 
in his contest with May was in one of the Military-Tract counties. The meet- 
ing was a large one, and held in a barn, and. there was an unusual number of 
Eastern men present. It afforded an admirable opportunity for Mills to reply 
to what was May's great stock in trade, the abuse of the Yankees, and there 
is no doubt he used it for all it was worth. The term " Yankee" was not always 
confined to New-England men. Daniel P. Cook was a Kentuckian, and had 
never seen New England, but he had many of the best characteristics usually 
attributed to New-England men. He was often stigmatized as a " Yankee " 
by his political opponents. It is related of him that in one of his political 
campaigns he stopped with a well-to-do farmer over night. He was unknown 
to his host, but in the course of the evening the conversation turned on poli- 
tics. In reply to some remark of Mr. Cook, the farmer said that the great 
fear among his neighbors was that the " d — d little Yankee, Cook, " would be 
elected to Congress. Mr. Cook well guarded his incognito, but the whole 
family was captivated by his frank and cordial manner and the charm of his 
conversation. When about to take his leave in the morning, the guest com- 
municated to his host that he was the " little Yankee, Cook. " The fear of his 
election no longer worried the farmer, but on the other hand, he gave his vote 
to Mr. Cook, and was ever afterward his friend. 



366 the edwards papers. 

Mills and Cowles appeared in court and denied its juris- 
diction of the case, upon two grounds, 1st on account of 
the residence of the parties, 2nd that the writ would not 
lie to compel the performance of an executive function 
which the court had not control over. The court decided 

Mr. Mills must have made rapid strides in public estimation as a lawyer to 
have been employed in an important lawsuit involving a question of public inter- 
est in 1828, by so sagacious a man as Gov. Edwards. In 1832 he had become 
so well known that he was elected a representative to the legislature from the 
counties of Peoria, Joe Daviess, Putnam, LaSalle, and Cook, then embracing 
all that part of the State north of Sangamon County and running from the 
Mississippi River to the Indiana boundary. His reputation as a lawyer had 
preceded him in the legislature, and when managers were appointed in the 
matter of impeachment of Judge Theophilus W. Smith, he was made the 
chairman. It was in that position that he was called upon to lead in the 
impeachment, and tradition has it that his speech for the prosecution was one 
of the ablest, the most eloquent, and most exhaustive speeches that had ever 
been heard in the halls of legislation in this State. 

Judge Drummond of the United States Circuit Court, who practised law 
a few years at the same time as Mills at Galena, says Mills had often talked 
with him about that speech, which lasted two or three days. He spoke 
extemporaneously, having only a few straggling notes, and which he showed 
the Judge. When he came to that part of the speech where it became 
his duty to comment severely on the conduct of Smith, he had put down 
in his memorandum: "Off coat and roll up sleeves." In the course of his 
argument, after having excoriated Smith most unmercifully, the Legislature 
adjourned for dinner, and as the audience were passing down the steps of the 
state house at Vandalia, Smith approached him in the most friendly manner, 
cordially shook hands and exclaimed: "Mills, what a glorious speech you 
have made. " 

It is probable that the only man now living in Illinois who was the colleague 
of Mr. Mills in the house of representatives, in the legislature of 1832-3, 
is Hon. John T. Stuart of Springfield, a man whose long and honorable 
career as a member of the legislature, member of Congress, lawyer, citizen, 
and the life-long friend and co temporary of Mr. Lincoln, has for more than a 
half a century illustrated and adorned the history of our State. In reply to 
an inquiry I made as to any reminiscences he might have of Mr. Mills, Major 
Stuart wrote me as follows : 

"The only personal acquaintance I ever had with Mr. Mills was during the 
session of the legislature of Illinois, when we served together as members of 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 367 

that in contemplation of the law the Gov. resides in this 
county and that the cause of action accrued here, and 
that the act to be done was a mere ministerial one and 
not such an executive duty as the Gov. could call a dis- 

the house of representatives in the session of 1832-3, when Mr. M. repre- 
sented the Galena district. 

"He was about forty-five years of age, in person tall, lithe and graceful in 
all his movements, always presenting the appearance of a cultivated and 
refined gentleman. 

" Mr. Mills was highly educated, bright, cheerful, fanciful, and famed for a 
ready, sparkling wit, with no tinge of bitterness. He was the most delightful 
of companions. 

"His voice was musical, and he had a fine command of language. He was 
always chaste, elegant, classical, and imaginative, weaving into his speeches 
the most beautiful festoons of fancy. 

" He was, during that session, elected by the House of Representatives one 
of the five managers to conduct the attempted impeachment of Theophilus W. 
Smith, one of the judges of the Supreme Court of the State, and was made 
the chairman. 

"He made the concluding speech, and, as you may well suppose from what 
I have said of him, that it was one of great power, force, beauty, and bril- 
liancy. I have during the last half-century heard many distinguished orators, 
and I can truly say I never listened to a more splendid effort, or one more 
worthy of admiration, than the one delivered by Mr. Mills on that occasion. ,T 

In 1824, Mr. Mills ran for Congress against William L. May. The 
State then had three representatives in Congress, and the northern district 
embraced Springfield, Chicago, Peoria, Quincy, Jacksonville, and Galena. 
The friends of Mills always contended that he was beaten by the most unfair 
means. The candidates canvassed the district together for some time and 
until pretty much worn out with their labors, and then they agreed they would 
retire from the canvass and let the election take care of itself. Mills then 
returned to his remote home in the lead-mines; but it was alleged that May, 
instead of retiring from the contest, went to another part of the district and 
electioneered more diligently than ever. The isolated situation of Galena at 
that time, with a mail of not more than once a week on the main routes, 
made it impossible for Mills to get word of what his competitor was doing. 
That was a great advantage to May at a time when personal considerations- 
and personal electioneering had so much to do in influencing votes. 

A statement of the vote at this election is given. An analysis of it is inter- 
esting. Cook County, which then embraced all the north-eastern part of the 
State, only cast 520 votes. Forty-six years after, at the presidential election 
in 1880, Cook County, reduced to its present limits, cast 100,286 votes! In 



2,68 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

cretionary one, and therefore the court could compel its 
performance. 

this election, Joe Daviess County cast within twenty-eight votes of the number 
cast in Cook County. 

Vote for Congress in the Third Congressional District of III., 

Aug., 1834: 

Counties. 

McDonough, 
Hancock, 

Knox, 

Cook, 

Rock Island, 

Calhoun, .... 

Adams, .... 

Warren, .... 

Putnam, .... 

Schuyler, .... 

Tazewell, - 

LaSalle, .... 

Greene, .... 

McLean, 

Pike, 

Sangamon, - 
Joe Daviess, 

Macon, 

Morgan, .... 
Fulton, 

Mr. Mills was unrivalled as a conversationist, and had a ready and delicate 
wit rarely surpassed. Many of his flashes of wit and humor are repeated to 
this day. Of the kindliest disposition, frank, open-hearted, and generous, he 
linked all his friends to him as if by " hooks of steel ". A victim of consump- 
tion, like Daniel P. Cook, he left his Illinois home to breathe his last in the 
land of his birth. After lingering some years, he died among the hills of his 
native Berkshire (Massachusetts) in 1841. Of all the early settlers of Illinois, 
the names of three men will always stand out pre-eminent, John McLean, 
Benjamin Mills, and Daniel P. Cook, all dying young, but leaving 
memories worthy to be cherished by every loyal son of our State. 

In the fall of 1835, Mr. Mills formed a law partnership with Joseph P. 
Hoge, who had recently come to Galena from Ohio, and commenced the 
practice of law. The partnership continued until Mr. Mills was obliged to 
leave the State on account of his health. Though Mr. Mills had been 



enj. Mills. 


Wm 


. L. May 


68 


- 


229 


175 - 


- 


174 


3i 


- 


138 


195 - 


- 


325 


72 


- 


II 


125 - 


- 


II 


259 


- 


450 


122 - 


- 


119 


215 


- 


l6 5 


310 - 


- 


359 


290 


- 


142 


127 - 


- 


154 


663 


- 


604 


198 - 


- 


298 


343 


- 


215 


772 - 


- 


1378 


367 


- 


125 


65 - 


- 


227 


1282 


- 


1335 


276 - 
5955 


" 


3i5 
6774 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 369 

Mr. Mills has informed the bearer that he should have 
$4.50 if he delivered this to you by Monday morning at 
breakfast time. 

Should you come yourself, which it is Jwped you will, 
it might be well to bring all the books you may think 
necessary with you as there are very few here. It would 

perhaps be well to have Merrell's explanatory certificate 
reduced to writing. 

George Forquer. 

Mr. Brown thinks that if you should come and the court 
should award a peremptory writ of mandamus, that your 
presence here would enable Beaird to file an affidavit and 
proceed against you for contempt. Of all this, however, 
you are much the best judge. In every other respect 
your presence is very desirable and would afford us much 
aid. We ourselves propose to take a writ of error instead 
of an appeal. With much respect, Yours, &c, 

B. Mills. 

N. B. We have drawn up a plea in abatement which 
we shall file as soon as the service is made. B. M. 

We have beaten them off their first track i.e. their pro- 
ceeding by rule to show cause why a peremptory man- 
damus should not issue, and driven them to the correct 
practice by issuing an alternative mandamus. We have 
great confidence in our exceptions to the jurisdiction. 

defeated for Congress in 1834, Hoge, who had become his partner, was 
elected from the Galena district in 1842. If Galena lost the congressman in 
the person of Mr. Mills in 1834, it made it up afterwards by having four ot 
its citizens elected, at different times, aggregating thirteen terms in all : Joseph 
P. Hoge, two terms; Edward D. Baker, one term; Thompson Campbell, one 
term; E. B. Washburne, nine terms. 

24 



370 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Smith has said in awarding the writ that prima facie 
the evidence shown on the application was sufficient ; 
that was only the quietus of the Auditor and Treasurer 
(Merrell). 

We deemed it unnecessary to exhibit your justifying 
evidence on the argument to discharge the motion for a 
rule, &c. All this, as you are well aware, will be open to 
you on your answer to the suit. 

A. COWLES. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville. 111. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Letter of Hugh Nelson, a representative in Congress from Virginia 
and a minister to Spain; a high tribute to Governor Edwards 
as an upright and honest statesman and politician; an opinion 
concerning a constitutional question; letter of Sidney Breese, in 
regard to an election to fill a vacancy in the legislature; letter 
of Governor Edwards to Richard J. Hamilton; some sharp 
inquiries touching a loan made by the bank of Edwardsville to 
Judge Young; letter of George Forquer and E. C. Berry, in 
respect to matters connected with the banks; letter of Duff 
Green; his speculations as to whom would compose Jackson's 
cabinet; agrees with Governor Edwards on the land question, 
but does not believe the Supreme Court will sustain him; that 
court dwindles as you approach it; another letter from Duff 
Green; Gen. Jackson's cabinet; Gov. Edwards' position on the 
public-land question; in the Supreme Court is lodged the tyrant, 
the monarch of this country; letter of A. P. Field; sketch 
of A. P. Field; member of the convention legislature in 1822; 
Hansen put out, and Shaw put in ; secretary of state from 
1828-40; appointed secretary of the territory of Wisconsin in 
1841; in New Orleans at the breaking out of the Rebellion; 
claims a seat in Congress in 1863, but not admitted; always 
a loyal man; wanted to die in that country over which the 
American flag waved; attorney - general for the State of Lou- 
isiana; died in New Orleans in 1877; letter of Hooper 
Warren ; looking for a place in which to engage in the 
newspaper business; Dr. Newhall an early and prominent set- 
tler at the Fever -River lead-mines; a surgeon in the United 
States army at Fort Winnebago; returns to Galena, where he 
lived until his death; actively engaged in the practice of medi- 
cine; letter of George Forquer; explains about recommenda- 
tions for office; Charles Dunn; appointed United States district 
judge for Wisconsin; his intense hatred of Yankees; another 



372 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

letter of Hooper Warren; determines to go to Galena to start a 
newspaper; another letter of George Forquer; explains cause 
of his delay in repairing to his post of duty. 



LETTER OF HUGH NELSON.* 

Charlottesville, Oct. 8th, 1828. 
My Dear Sir: — I have received your favor of the — , 
post-marked 6th Septb'r, which came to hand two days 
since. I was gratified to hear from you, tho' severed from 
each other, by what seems to us an almost immeasurable 
space and by an interrupted communication of many 
years. I wrote to you just before I sailed for Spain and 
hope you received my letter, because, having received 
from you a most kind and affectionate letter just before 
my departure, I should regret that an appearance should 
have been afforded to the presumption that I was regard- 
less of your friendship. I have never participated in the 
persecution against you, which was started about that 
time, and I have always believed you an upright, honest 
statesman and politician, and have thought you perfectly 
right in that affair, on which the C. faction bottomed their 
efforts to hunt you down. I always said too that your 
talents would enable you to rise against the whole host, 
and was a good deal surprised when your friends brought 
you forward for the Senate, U. S., that you were not 
elected. But I did presume it was too early attempted, 

* Hugh Nelson was a representative in Congress from the State of Virginia 
from 181 1 to 1823, when he resigned, after having been appointed minister to 
Spain. He occupied this last position for nearly two years. He died at his 
country-seat in Albemarle County, Virginia, March 18th, 1836. 



LETTER OF HUGH LYON. 373 

and that time had not been afforded to allay the excite- 
ment of the moment, and to afford an opportunity for a 
full vindication of your conduct. 

And now, my dear sir, as to the business part of your 
letter. It seems a little singular in these days where there 
appears to exist almost universally, a propensity to arro- 
gate and assume power not lawfully granted in every 
department of Cong. Gov't in the Union, that the Gov- 
ernor and Senate of Illinois should be so modest and dif- 
fident of exercising powers as to leave their State without 
an officer which the Legislature has deemed important to 
the security of the people. I do not presume to decide 
between such dignitaries modestly differing on the con- 
struction of the charter of Gov't defining these powers, but 
to a simple farmer, as I now profess to be, it would seem 
clear, that under the constitution the Governor alone could 
make no appointment without the Senate, but such as the 
Legislature should authorize him alone to make, the Legis- 
lature acting in virtue of their powers under the Charter. 
The Constitution defines and fixes the offices to which the 
Legislature may empower the Governor alone to make 
appointments. In this list no militia appointments are 
included and no appointments where the powers and 
authority of the appointed should exceed the limits of a 
County. I had once thought that perhaps as the rank 
and pay of the Adjutant General must be that of a Brig- 
adier or Major General, that the officers mentioned in the 
Constitution as appointory, Majors and Brigadier Generals 
might be perhaps authorized to make the appointment. 
But as these officers named are limited to brigades and 



374 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

divisions, and the Adjutant General attends to the whole 
State, this idea would not do. The conclusion is obvious 
if the Legislature create an office to which the Constitu- 
tion will not allow them to give the power of appointment 
to the Governor. But the appointment must be made by 
the Senate and Governor. I write in a hurry, not very 
clearly or distinctly because in the bustle of a Court-yard, 
whilst the court is in session, I have not much space for 
reflection, aid, or argument. 

Wishing you health and happiness, 

I remain, d'r sir, y'r friend and serv't, 

Hugh Nelson. 

I return you the statement in the case with my opinion 
written in great haste. H. N. 

Gov. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE* 

Kaskaskia, October 8th, 1828. 

Gov. EDWARDS. Dear Sir: — Your favor of was 

handed me by Mr. Bennet this day. In answer I have 
only to observe that I wrote the letter to which yours is 
a reply, at the suggestion of some of our friends here. I 
do not know the proper course to be pursued having never 
examined the law with reference to this subject, I could 
not make the affidavit, as I do not personally know the 
fact. If Col. Mather was here he could, but he is absent. 

* This letter is undoubtedly in relation to the vacancy caused by the death 
of Mr. Lacy, who had been elected to the legislature from Randolph County. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 375 

The time you have named I think will be very favor- 
able, though Col. M. is of opinion that it is not important. 
Yours, respectfully, &c., 

Sidney Breese. 
Governor Edwards, Belleville. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
RICHARD J. HAMILTON* 

Belleville, Oct. nh, 1828. 

Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 26th ult. is just received, 
in which, after representing how, and on what security the 
loan to Judge Young was made, you state that by an 
order of the Board of Directors, on the same day, he was 
appointed attorney for the bank ; that he was to retain the 
money of the bank to the amount of his loan whenever 
he collected that much as its attorney; but, that shortly 
afterwards he informed you that he wished to withdraw 
his paper, and not to consider the loan as an accommoda- 
tion to him, from which the most natural inference would 
seem to be that he had no loan at all, which is directly 
contrary to the statement in your letter of the 15th 
October last, in which, after reciting the order for his 
loan, you say: "on this order the money was afterwards 
paid out of the bank, and shortly afterwards again repaid 
to the bank by Young." 

As this apparent discrepency, though doubtless suscept- 
able of explanation by you, leaves me altogether in the 

* Governor Edwards was at this time apparently looking very sharply at 
the affairs of the Edwardsville bank. 



376 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

dark as to the actual state of this case, and as it is as 
necessary and proper that I should understand it cor- 
rectly, as that of any other Director, I have to request 
you to furnish me with a copy of all charges and credits 
on your books against and for Judge Young, with their 
respective dates; such information as you may possess 
as to any collections made by him for the bank; when 
respectively made; whether the quarter- section of land 
mortgaged by him was patented at the time; whether it 
was valued, and if so, by whom. 

Respectfully, I am, sir, 

Your mo. ob't serv't, 

N. Edwards. 
Rich'd J. Hamilton, Cashier, &c. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER AND 
E. C. BERRY. 

Vandalia, Oct. 25th, 1828. 
Gov. EDWARDS. Sir: — After you left here we met 
with some difficulty in interpreting the 20th Sec. of the 
free-school act of 1825, in connection with the resolution 
at the end of the volume, which changes the character 
of the Commissioners' duty and power, from that pre- 
scribed in the section referred to. By it we were required 
to purchase State paper, deposit it in the bank, and to 
procure a certificate against the State, for the amount 
deposited, "in the legal currency of the U. S.;" and the 
cashier is directed to burn the paper thus deposited, when 
the ten per cent is burnt; but by the resolution under 



LETTER OF GEO. FORQUER AND E. C. BERRY. 377 

which they have acted, the Com'rs are authorized to pur- 
chase warrants, and the amount deposited in bank is there- 
fore in warrants and not State paper. The Treasurer hav- 
ing no knowledge of the disposition which we might make 
of these warrants, we are at a loss to know how legally to 
cancel them, so that there may not be two vouchers against 
the State in favor of the Comrs, the one contemplated by 
the section referred to, and the warra/its which we are not 
authorized to burn or caned in way known to the law. 

Upon the whole we have tho't it prudent, lest the 
resolution under which we have acted might have escaped 
your notice, to submit the above for your consideration 
and to await your further advice before acting under the 
20th Section above named. 

As we have a descriptive list in the form of a receipt 
of all warrants deposited in the bank, we can not see why 
this delay should prevent us from drawing upon the Gov't 
for the amount now due the State, and take the liberty 
to suggest the propriety of doing so, and before the order 
for it can reach you, we can have received your further 
advice, and have acted upon the difficulty above suggested. 
Very respectfully, your ob't serv'ts, 



George Forquer ) 

' > Com rs. 



E. C. Berry, 



LETTERS OF DUFF GREEN. 

Washington, 22nd Dec, 1828. 
[confidential.] 
Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 30th ult. is ree'd. I can 



378 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

give you no view relative to the Cabinet beyond mere 
conjecture. It is believed and stated as true by Van 
Buren's most intimate friends that he desires a seat in 
the Cabinet. If so, it would seem as a matter of course 
that he should be tendered the first department. There 
is some doubt however whether he will consent to go into 
that department. It is said that he prefers the treasury. 
Here he comes in conflict with McLane and Ingham. 
The latter is fast recovering, and expected to arrive in 
two or three weeks. 

Mess. Tazewell, Benton, Bernard of Pa., Baldwin and 
sundry others have been spoken of. I do not myself 
believe that the General knows himself, therefore no one 
else can tell you, who will be his Cabinet. 

Clay's course is an obvious one. He will endeavor to 
become the agent of the Bank of the U. States and rally 
all his strength on the internal improvement and Tariff 
questions. In these he must fail. I am by no means 
certain that we shall not have four candidates, if so, we 
have only to rally again on old Hickory and keep him in 
the field for four years more. 

I regret to hear of the indisposition of Mrs. Cook. 
My wife and eldest daughter are in bad health and I 
am nearly worn down with fatigue and anxiety. 

I have not read your message. I have for years been 
of your opinion relative to the rights of the States, and 
am prepared to defend your position. If the right of soil 
was in the original States then the new States if admitted 

* This letter, written after the election of General Jackson, in 1828, con- 
tains speculations as to his cabinet. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 379 

into the Union upon "equal footing" with them must 
have the right of soil, any compact or stipulation in viola- 
tion of her rights imposed upon a State as a condition 
precedent to a grant to her of rights secured by the 
treaty of cession which provides as well for the admission 
of the ceded Territory as the conveyance of it to the U. 
States, is void. 

I am glad that you have made the question; I greatly 
doubt, however, your success before the Supreme Court. 
That Court, like other great things, dwindles as you 
approach it. 

Remember me kindly to your amiable family. 

Your aff. relative, 

D. Green. 
Hon. N. Edwards, 

Vandalia, Illinois. 

[CONFIDENTIAL.] 

Washington, 6th Jan'y, 1829 * 
Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 21st is rec'd. I am 
gratified to hear of your success but permit me to cau- 
tion you. You now hold a position which may do your 
friends here great injury. Caution and prudence on your 
part is therefore necessary. My own opinion is McLean 
as well as Van Buren and Calhoun looks to the Presi- 

* Mr. Green is still speculating as to whom were to be members of General 
Jackson's cabinet. He was correct in his surmise that VanBuren would be 
the secretary of state and Ingham secretary of the treasury. Barry was made 
postmaster-general, but neither Tazewell, John Pope, Judge McLean, Wood, 
bury, nor Hill received cabinet positions. John H. Eaton was made secretary 
of war; John Branch was made secretary of the navy; and John M. Berrien 
was made attorney-general. 



380 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

dency. The divided and distracted state of things in the 
West will produce much speculation upon individuals, and 
you know enough of public men to know that whatever; 
you may do or say will be attributed to an influence out 
of your State. 

It is particularly desirable that the conflicting interests 
of our party be made to harmonize and to prevent a 
premature collision, it is agreed on all hands that Gen'l 
Jackson shall hold a position for re-election if necessary 
or expedient perhaps he may desire it, and if so, no one 
can prevent his re-election. 

You will therefore plainly see the impropriety of getting 
up at this time any new organization of parties based 
upon any speculation as to a competition between Van 
Buren and your personal friend. My own advice to you 
is to press your land question, get up and continue the 
discussion in the newspapers of your own and the other 
Western states. Make yourself the head of that measure, 
and you will be forced into the Senate; if once there your 
triumph over your old enemy is complete. Your views 
on the rights of the States are considered able and con- 
clusive. No paper from your pen is calculated to do you 
more honor. It is an able, sound argument, and the 
doctrines which it lays down must prevail. But you 
must come into public favor as the advocate of a measure 
not of men. Yo?ir position in relation to the public lands 
brings you into company with the South and West and 
in direct conflict with the East. The consequences are 
easily foreseen, but the results will be the work of time, 
four years may not be enough. You as well as our anti- 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 38 I 

tariff friends run butt against the Supreme Court, which 
can not resist the united force of the two questions. In that 
Court is lodged the Tyrant, the monarch of this country. 
I trust that you will be an able advocate of liberty in 
bringing it to the proper and legitimate exercise of power. 
All is still speculation about the Cabinet. We have but 
little doubt that Van Buren will be Sec. of State. We 
believe that Ingham, whose health is much improved, will 
be Secretary of the Treasury. Tazewell, John Pope, Barry, 
Judge McLean, Woodbury, and Hill of N. Hampshire, 
are spoken of for the other offices. 

Your friend and relative, 

Duff Green. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Vandalia, Illinois. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD.* 

JONESBORO, Jan'y 29th, 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — Since my arrival I find that we have made 
a mistake in relation to the name of the person who has 

* Among the active politicians of the State few men were better known, a 
half a century ago, than Alexander P. Field, always familiarly called " Aleck 
Field." His first appearance on the political stage was in 1822, when he was 
elected to the house of representatives from Union County. He was one of 
the most active members in pushing through the house the convention reso- 
lution, and was more instrumental than any man in procuring the ejection of 
Hansen from the house and putting Shaw in his place, thus securing the 
passage of the resolution. This act was a revolutionary one, and contributed 
greatly to the rejection of the resolution by the people. 

He was again elected to the house in 1826, from Union, Johnson, and 
Alexander counties. He was secretary of state from 1828 to 1840, when he 



382 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

been commissioned Recorder and Judge of Probate of 
Johnson County, his name is John Mclntire and the com- 
missions have been issued for David Mclntire. If the 
mistake can be corrected I would be very glad. Serious 
injury will result, if it can not. 

I have written to Gen'l Hargrave on the subject sug- 
gested by you before I left Vandalia. I have also spoken 
of Gen'l H. as one of the persons likely to be suported for 
that office, and I find, if he will offer, his chance of success 
will be very good. The people here are highly pleased 

was legislated out of office, and finally removed by judicial proceedings. After 
the election of General Harrison, he was appointed secretary of the territory 
of Wisconsin, in 1841. Some years afterward hd removed to St. Louis, and 
later on to New Orleans, and was in the latter city at the breaking out of the 
war. At the opening of the 38th Congress, December 7th, 1863, Col. Field 
(in conjunction with his colleague, Thomas Cottman) was put on the roll of 
the house as a member of Congress from Louisiana. They both voted on 
preliminary questions and for speaker, but after the organization was perfected 
the House refused to swear them in as members, and subsequently decided 
that they were not entitled to seats. Colonel Field made an able speech in 
support of his claim. In answer to suggestions touching his loyalty he made 
an eloquent and indignant protest : " I have always been a loyal man. I 
fought against secession to the utmost of my power. I endangered my life 
for months and months. I have never been anything else than a loyal man, 
and I hope that I never will be. I will stand by that flag wherever it floats, 
and when I die I hope it will be in that country over which it waves. " 

Colonel Field was a man of striking personal appearance, tall and well 
proportioned, of polished manners, and possessed rare conversational powers. 
As a lawyer, he was particularly successful in criminal cases. After the war 
he became attorney-general for the State of Louisiana, and died in 1877 at 
New Orleans after a long and painful illness. From a "convention man" he 
became a "Jackson man", and then a prominent and influential whig, and 
dying at last as a loyal man, and, as he expressed it, "where the flag of his 
country waved. " Many old settlers of Illinois, his cotemporaries, forgetting 
and forgiving his course on the convention question, will always have a warm 
place in their memories for the gifted " Aleck Field ". * 

* "Sketch of Edward Coles," by E. B. Washburne. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 383 

with your message. You must review the militia in this 

part of the State. Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 
N. Edwards, Esq., Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

Kaskaskia, Feb. 5 th, 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — I rec'd yours of the 4th inst, and regret 
to learn the delicate state of Mrs. Cook's health. On the 
other side you will find a receipt for making the tea, and 
syrup used by Mr. Smith. I hope it will prove efficacious 
in the case of your daughter. With regard to other mat- 
ters contained in your letter, I will write more at length 
in a few days. I feel grateful for your attention and am 
assured you will leave nothing undone that should be 
done. I leave the whole matter with you and my friends 
with a perfect confidence that neither they nor you will 
desert me. With great respect, yo. friend and ob't, 

Sidney Breese. 
Gov. N. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF ALEXANDER P. FIELD* 

JONESBORO, February 5th, 1829. 
N. Edwards, Esq'r, 

Sir: — Enclosed you will find a certificate of the late 

* Governor Edwards was not a candidate for the senate at the time stated, 
but an earnest supporter of John McLean, who was elected by the unanimous 
vote of the Legislature. 



384 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Treasurer of Alexander County, in relation to the settle- 
ment of David Moore, Sheriff elect of said County. It 
was handed to me by Maj. Moore with a request that I 
would forward it to you for the purpose of procuring his 
commission. It was rendered impracticable for him to 
comply with the requisitions of the law sooner, in conse- 
quence of the absence of the Treasurer from the State. 

The people of this part of the State appear to be much 
pleased with your message, with one exception. That 
part in relation to road labour they do not approve of. 
They think your arguments in favor of the right of the 
State to the vacant and unappropriated lands, able and 
satisfactory, and there is no man that I have yet seen but 
what feels great solicitude on this subject. The people 
are generally pleased with the course pursued by the 
Legislature. All my friends are highly delighted at my 
appointment. I again express a hope that you will visit 
this section of our State previous to the next election. 
Such a visit I have no doubt would render you very 
popular in this County. If you feeling a disposition 
again to embark in public life for the benefit and secur- 
ity of your friends, no pains shall be spared on my part 
to render such an effort successful. I have no doubt, 
should you desire it, your election to the Senate of the 
U. S. by the next Legislature can be rendered perfectly 
secure; if your friends act with energy and circumspection 
we have nothing to fear. . 

Be so good as to present my best respect to our mutual 
friend A. Cowles. Your friend and ob't serv't, 

A. P. Field. 

N. Edwards, Esq'r, Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 385 

LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN.* 

Springfield, Feb. 9, 1829. 

DEAR Sir: — The appointments of canal commissioners 
have given general satisfaction in this part of the State, 
so far as my knowledge extends. They could not have 
suited me better, excepting a preference I had for Gen. 
Adams for one of them. But as he could not get the 
support of the delegation of this county, you ought not 
to be censured for not nominating him; I have heard none 
expressed. 

My present purpose is, by request, to engage your 
support, if uncommitted, to William Porter, of this place, 
for the appointment of treasurer of the board and secre- 
tary also, if the commissioners should determine to unite 
the two offices. Mr. Porter will have the support of Dr. 
Jayne. He is a good clerk and accountant, has done the 
business of the receiver here ever since the establishment 
of the land-office, and for both the offices since the 
appointment of Dr. Todd. He is, moreover, a practical 
surveyor, a knowledge which might be of some service to 

* Mr. Warren is still looking for a place in which to engage in the news- 
paper business. The Dr. Newhall, of whom he speaks, was an early and a 
prominent settler at the Fevre-River lead-mines. He was a native of Massa- 
chusetts, graduated at Harvard College, studied medicine, and commenced his 
professional career in Bond County in this State about 1825; removing to the 
lead mines a year or two afterward, he was appointed a surgeon in the United 
States army, and stationed at Fort Winnebago, a military post of considerable 
importance then included in Michigan Territory, but now in Wisconsin. Jef- 
ferson Davis was then serving at that post as a second lieutenant. After leaving 
the army, Dr. Newhall returned to Galena, and there he lived until the time 
of his death, a few years since, always actively engaged in the practice of 
medicine, and standing at the head of his profession. A man of education 
and intelligence, as well as of probity and honor, he always exercised a great 
influence in the community in which he lived. 

25 



386 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the commissioners. He has the reputation of strict integ- 
rity and good moral habits. He would have no difficulty 
in procuring the requisite security, without even going out 
of this county. His intention is, in the event of his 
getting the appointment, to establish himself in the mer- 
cantile business somewhere on the line of the canal. He 
has now on the way from Philadelphia an assortment of 
goods, the invoice of which amounts to $2500, which were 
ordered with a view of opening them here. I believe there 
is no young man in the State more worthy of public 
employment. As I myself intend to settle eventually on 
the line of the canal, his appointment would be personally 
gratifying to me. 

Judge Lockwood, on his return from Vandalia, informed 
me it was the desire of my friends (you among the num- 
ber) that I should go to Galena, and associate myself with 
Mr. Jones. The proposal was quite repugnant to my 
feelings at first, but after a short conversation I concluded 
that in my present situation it might be the best I can do. 
A proposition was therefore sent out last week by Judge 
L. to Dr. Newhall, for Mr. Jones' consent to take me as a 
partner for two years, with an equal share of the profits, 
upon my allowing a^per centum upon the capital invested. 
The promise of an enlargement of the subscription in this 
part of the State is offered Mr. Jones as an inducement to 
the arrangement. Should it succeed, I could maintain my 
family during the two years, and in the meantime find 
something else for future employment. Before Judge 
Lockwood spoke to me on the subject, Mr. James W. 
Willis had offered to rent me a small improvement in the 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 387 

settlement at the Illinois Rapids, which I think I shall 
accept, if an unfavorable answer be received from Galena. 
I am almost discouraged with respect to Mr. Meredith. 
He has got his type from Ohio, but his messenger came 
back without paper, and he is now waiting for that to 
come from St. Louis. There appears no obvious reason 
to have prevented his getting out his first number in 
November last. I have procured the printing of the U. S. 
laws for him, the attempt to transfer it to Galena notwith- 
standing, which I did more on your account than any 
other. I am, however, still convinced that selling the 
press to him was better than packing up the materials — 
for should he fail on the first of Nov. next in making the 
payment, or in giving better security, you will have it in 
your power to retake them. 

Very respectfully, your ob't s'rv't, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Kaskaskia, 28 Feb., 1829. 

DEAR Sir: — I thank you for your kind letter. The 

information it contained enabled me to free myself from 

a blunder I had committed in writing to Dunn in favor of 

Campbell, without mentioning the name of Harlan." Until 

* I do not know who the Harlan is that Mr. Forquer refers to in this letter. 
The Mr. Campbell is undoubtedly Alexander Campbell, who had represented 
Edwards and Wayne Counties in the legislature. The Dunn referred to was 
Charles Dunn of Pope County, who was for several years a clerk in the house 



388 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I received your letter, I knew not that Harlan had ever 
been spoken of for one of those appointments. I imme- 
diately informed Dunn that I was in favor of them both 
for the two places, and explained to him at large the 
political reason (in addition to the man's merits) why "our 
friends" regarded these appointments of importance. I 
also got Breese to write to him and to urge their appoint- 
ment with similar reasons. Suspecting an undercurrent, 
I did not in my letter fail to explain to him, in strong 
allusions, which would be understood by him, where I 
suppose the current emanated from and what was the 
object of putting it in motion. I concluded by saying 
that "I thought a certain class of men ought to be satis- 
fied, so long as such men as Dunn and myself would 
quietly tote them, without manifesting a wish to increase 
our burdens by packing us with their own creatures also." 
In this I risque nothing, for I know, from conversation 
with him, Dunn fully responds to such feelings in relation 
to the same class of men. From some slight indications, 
I fear that it has been intended to defeat Campbell, but 
to let Harlan succeed for one of the places. I have, how- 
ever, acted in relation to it, in character with myself, 
except that I think I have been less rash than I fear you 
will suspect. I have firmly decided for both Harlan and 

of representatives in the State legislature, and afterward, in 1834-6, repre- 
sented Pope County. Subsequently Mr. VanBuren appointed him United 
States district judge for the territory of Wisconsin, a position which he held 
until the Territory was admitted as a state into the Union. A native of Ken- 
tucky, and living a long time in "Egypt", he was distinguished by his intense 
hatred of Yankees — a term which with him included not only New Englanders, 
but people from all the Eastern States. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 389 

Campbell, and given the reasons at large against any 
others and in their favor to Mr. R., in presence of Mr. M., 
who you know verifies, rather too strongly for a politician, 
the remark of Cooper in his batchelor relative to the New 
Englanders, that "they speak with a closer mouth, both 
physically and morally, than any other people," and which 
will forever prevent him from being an able actor upon a 
concerted plan of extended action. To obtain from him 
his views or his intentions, his real friends have either to 
seem to pump him. or to learn them by enigmatical signs, 
which requires as much sagacity on their part as on the 
part of his enemies to arrive at the information sought. 

Mrs. F. is yet unable to be out of bed 3 hours at a time, 
and is very lame and has to walk with a cane. We thought 
to set out tomorrow, but I find she has not yet sufficient 
strength; but shall leave here in a few days, if she is only 
able to travel y 2 the day. We will call at Belleville on 
our way up, when I hope to see you on many accounts. 
Your friend, GEO. FORQUER. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Springfield, March 7, 1829. 

Dear Sir : — Mr. Porter having gone into business here 
in company with Capt. Henry, and intending to go to the 
eastward in a few weeks, has withdrawn from being a can- 
didate for canal treasurer. 

The answer to the proposition sent to Galena is unfa- 
vorable. It was not however made in the way I intended 



390 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

it should have been done, but merely with the simple ques- 
tion whether Mr. J. would or would not sell the whole or 
any part of his office. The correspondence was between 
Dr. Todd and Dr. Newhall. The latter expresses great dis- 
satisfaction with Mr. Jones, and intimates that he has had 
heretofore a disposition to set up a paper in opposition to 
him. I have therefore determined to go myself to Galena 
as soon as possible, and if Mr, Jones should decline such 
an arrangement as I mentioned to you in my last, I shall 
offer my services to Dr. Newhall or any one else disposed 
to undertake it, to establish a new paper. I shall go by 
the next stage, if it run next week, which in the present 
state of the roads and waters, is extremely doubtful. If 
not, I will go by the first boat. 

Mr. Meredith, as you will have seen, has issued two 
numbers of his paper. He will have out the third on 
Monday, and then he will be out of paper — has made no 
arrangement for more immediately. He has no assistance 
except what I have given him. I am sorry to say I have 
discovered that he has neither talent nor tact for any part 
of the business. I advised him to insert your advertise- 
ments, as it would lessen his weekly labor, and you would 
probably allow him something for it. If it be determined 
to get up a newspaper at Galena, I will, if you think it best, 
propose to him to cancel the bargain, and remove the ma- 
terials to that place. I have been anxious that you should 
realize from them the amount Mr. Cook paid me for them, 
and I shall never consider myself out of your debt until 
that is done. 

I shall write to Judge Young by Judge Lockwood, hop- 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 39 1 

ing he may be at Belleville at the meeting of the commis- 
sioners. 

Mr. Enos has suggested to me this morning that you 
have probably as much influence over Gen. Jackson as any 
other man in this state, and learning that I am now writing 
to you, has requested me to ask you to explain to him the 
situation of affairs relative to appointments. I told him I 
thought you had probably already done so. Although 
the old gentleman professes much independence, I dis- 
cover he is really apprehensive of being removed. He 
supposes Mr. Taylor is a candidate against him. Any ser- 
vice you could render him would be gratefully appreciated. 
Your obedient servant, 

H. Warren. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Kaskaskia, ii March, 1829. 
Dear Sir : — It may seem strange to those unacquainted 
with the cause of my detention, that I have not repaired 
to my post before this time. The affliction of Mrs. F. has 
been so severe that to have left her would have been an 
act of cruelty and neglect of duty to her. It is now ten 
weeks since she was confined, and she is now not able to 
turn herself in bed. She has been a great sufferer from a 
sciatic affection, the pain however has now measurably 
ceased, but left her right limb from the hip down entirely 
useless, so that she can not move herself only as she is 
lifted or carried. Another debility of a female nature has 



392 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

also afflicted her from her confinement, but of this she is 
now getting better. Mr. Roberts knows how she has been 
affected. I expect however that she will be so far recov- 
ered as to allow me to meet the court at Pike, but I have 
abandoned all hope of being able to remove her before 
warm weather. If she ever has the complete use of her 
limb it will be some time first, not before fall I think. 

Mr. R. says he is entirely uncommitted as to any 
appointments, and I think the expression of your prefer- 
ence will secure everything, but he is too cautious to say 
at once what he will do. In the course of next week I 
hope most certainly to have the pleasure of seeing you. 

Yours sincerely, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 
Politeness of Mr. Roberts. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Letter of Sidney Breese; wants to be appointed judge in case of a 
vacancy by the death of Judge Smith; letter of George Forquer 
about appointment of canal commissioner; letter of Governor 
Edwards to Samuel D. Ingham, secretary of the treasury; clear 
statement in relation to the school fund; letter of Hooper 
Warren, in regard to postmaster at Hillsborough; letter of 
Governor Edwards to secretary of war; urges appointment of 
engineer to survey the route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal; 
letter of Duff Green; General Jackson well understands the 
state of parties in Illinois; is resolved to sustain the friends of 
Governor Edwards in the State; Duncan's power at an end 
with the administration; letter of Hooper Warren; arrives at 
Galena by mail-stage; dull times at Galena, and unfavorable 
for commencing business; Judge Lockwood's limited exertions 
in behalf of the paper; letter of J. F. Posey, written for A. P. 
Field, secretary of state; the indictment against Winn not to 
be found; letter of George Forquer; complains of the inertness 
of the canal commissioners; a work of too much magnitude to 
be slept over throughout the years 1829-30; if a vacancy should 
occur, thinks he could render good service as canal commis- 
sioner. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

(CONFIDENTIAL.) 

Waterloo, March nth, 1829. 
Governor Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — I have received information here that there 

is little prospect of Judge Smith's recovery, and that you 

will probably be soon called on to appoint his successor. 



394 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

The office is one that should not be solicited, but I am 
constrained from many causes to ask you in looking round 
for his successor to consider my claims. I should be 
extremely gratified to receive so high a token of your 
regard and should be ambitious to make myself worthy of 
it. I should prefer risking myself with the next legisla- 
ture to incurring any elsewhere. The appointment, I flatter 
myself in believing, would be acceptable to your friends. 
If it should so happen that Judge S., like Mr. Crawford, 
as Randolph said, should obstinately refuse to die, my 
application will, of course, be forgotten. I should be 
pleased to hear from you, should the expected event 
happen. Y'r friend sincerely, 

Sidney Breese. 
Governor N. Edwards, 

Belleville. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Kaskaskia, 19 Mar., 1829. 
Dear Sir: — Your note by Mr. Roberts has been the 
means of relieving, I hope, your disappointment as to Mr. 
Harlan's appointment. I immediately showed it to Mr. 
Mather, and then for the first time learned how far he was 
committed to Archer. We then made a full push upon 
the commissioners, and succeeded in having their deter- 
mination in favor of the Pope-County man reconsidered, 
and that place is now vacant, and things are so arranged as 
that Harlan will get it at the next meeting of the board. 
The particulars I will give you when I see you. Mrs. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FQRQUER. 395 

F. is no better, and, indeed, seems to be worse this bad 

weather. She is as helpless as an infant. 

In haste, your ob't serv't, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
HON. SAMUEL D. INGHAM. 

Belleville, Illinois, April 2, 1829. 

Sir: — I had the honor on yesterday to receive your 
letter of the 12th ult., postmarked the 14th, in answer to 
mine of the 9th February to the Commissioner of the 
General Land- Office, advising him of the school- fund 
commissioners having drawn bills on account of the three 
per cent fund, due this State, and requesting payment to 
be made at the Treasury, which had been referred to you. 

I learn with great regret from your answer that pay- 
ments have been and will be withheld, and the State 
subjected to the serious loss of ten per cent upon the 
whole amount due, because an annual account of the 
application of the money theretofore received had not 
been transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury accord- 
ing to the provisions of the act of Congress of the 12th 
Dec'r, 1820, entitled "an act to provide for the paying to 
the State of Illinois three per cent of the nett proceeds 
arising from the sales of the public lands within the same." 

As this requisition must have been complied with dur- 
ing the administration of my predecessor, or had been 
dispensed with by yours, and as nothing in the letter of 



396 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the Commissioner of the Gen'l Land-Office of the 2 April, 
1825, to which mine particularly referred, indicated any 
such difficulty, and not a cent of money had been received 
since my administration commenced, it seems to me that 
a sound discretion might have admitted of the payment, 
and saved the State from so considerable a loss; under a 
just expectation that a satisfactory explanation would be 
promptly transmitted to you, or with the certainty that 
you possessed the means of conning one. A literal com- 
pliance with the law is now impossible and not to be 
expected. It could never have intended that the same 
sums should be more than once accounted for. I had a 
right to suppose that all had been done in the time of my 
predecessor which was required. That your predecessor 
had been satisfied, appears from the payments which from 
time to time he had made. Not a cent having been 
received during my administration, and there has been 
nothing to account for within that time. Nothing has 
been offered to be paid according to the law referred to, 
but on the terms mentioned in the letter of the Commis- 
sioner of the Gen'l Land-Office, of the 2d April, 1825, 
which have been complied with on the part of the Com- 
missioners of this fund. It was, therefore, to be presumed 
that the sums heretofore received had been satisfactorily 
accounted for to your predecessor, who was competent to 
decide upon that matter; and it did not occur to me that 
the course which he had thought proper to pursue in 
regard to the payments made by him years ago ought 
now to be revised for the purpose of withholding those 
which have been accumulating for years, are now due, 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 397 

and never can be accounted for till they shall have been 

received. 

The several sums heretofore received, however, on this 

account being as yet inadequate to the object for which 

they were granted, have not been appropriated otherwise 

than in the purchase of the notes of State Bank of Illinois 

and warrants upon its Treasurer at a great discount, which 

has considerably augmented this fund ; all of which is 

deposited in the Treasury of the State, to be appropriated 

in due time exclusively to the object for which it was 

granted. I have the honor to be, very respectfully, sir, 

Y'r mo. ob. s't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Hon. Sam'l D. Ingham, 

Sec. of Treasury. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Hillsborough, April 14, 1829. 

Dear Sir: — On my arrival here this evening, I found 
considerable excitement in the town on account of a peti- 
tion to the postmaster-general praying for the removal of 
Mr. Tillson from the office of postmaster, and the appoint- 
ment of James Wilson in his place. The only complaint 
is that the post-office is not kept in the town. The peti- 
tion was drawn up by John Reynolds. A remonstrance 
against the removal is also in circulation, which is said to 
have obtained more than double the number of signers 
than the petition. 

Mr. Tillson is not returned from the Eastward, being; 



39^ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

detained by the sickness of his wife. His clerks have 
moved the office into the town, though it can hardly be 
said that Mr. T.'s house is out of the town. I am fully 
persuaded that the convenience of the people who have 
business with the post-office will not be better served with 
a removal of either of the office or postmaster, than by 
their remaining as they are. 

I communicate these facts for your information, leaving- 
you to act your pleasure as to any interference. His 
appointment in the first instance having been facilitated, 
if not procured, by my introduction of him to you, I can 
not again ask your interposition in his behalf after what 
has happened. I, however, wish to see him retained. 

Yours, H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE 
SECRETARY OF WAR. 

Belleville, Illinois, i May, 1829. 
SIR: — Taking it for granted that our senators and 
representatives in Congress had specially called your 
attention to a request of the Legislature of this State, 
for the assistance of an Engineer of the U. S. to survey 
the route of the Illinois and Michigan Canal, and that 
they had supported the application with a zeal propor- 
tioned to the importance of the object, our Canal Com- 
missioners have been confidently expecting and anxi- 
ously waiting for the result of your determination. As 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 399 

the season for progressing with this highly-desirable 
internal improvement has some time since commenced, 
and it is now only delayed for your answer to the appli- 
cation that has been made to you, I beg leave to request 
the favor of hearing from you on the subject as soon as 
may suit your convenience. 

I have the honor to be, sir, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Hon. Sec. of War. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Washington, May 26th, 1829. 

(CONFIDENTIAL.) 

Dear Sir: — Your several letters have been received, 
and the contents communicated to the President. He 
now understands the state of parties well in Illinois, and 
is resolved to sustain your friends. He says, with truth 
too, that if your friends have not heretofore been noticed 
by him it is because you have not. written to him and 
notified him of your wishes. You may safely write to 
him in the fullest confidence and you will find that Mr. 
Duncan's power here is at an end. 

I have been anxious to serve Benjamin, and if he can 
make a friend of McLean, so as to get his recommenda- 
tion for receiver at Edwardsville, that appointment can 
be had for him after the 4th of January next. I am 
induced to believe that Hamtrainer will be removed, and 
it was a question with me whether Benjamin would accept 
that office. He would be required to live with the 
Indians, which would make it less valuable to him than 
the other. 



400 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

My family are in tolerable health. My daughters are 
growing up to be women. I am much harassed, but hold 
my own well. 

Remember me kindly to your amiable wife and daugh- 
ter, and if I can serve you, command me. 

Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, May 26, 1829. 

SIR: — I arrived at this place with my family on the 
17th instant, in the mail stage. The printing materials I 
put up at St. Louis, had arrived safe. Those I sent to 
Beaird's Ferry, on the Illinois, have not yet been received, 
and I apprehend yet some further delay of eight or ten 
days before their arrival. It would have been better to 
have removed them to St. Louis by land after I ascer- 
tained that no steam boat would go up the Illinois. 

I find business here almost in the lowest state of depres- 
sion. Lead commands only from $1.75 to $2.00 per 100, 
and the consequence is that very little will be made this 
season. The merchants are endeavoring to collect their 
debts and close their business; crediting is stopped entirely. 
But it is the opinion of the best informed that this state of 
things will continue only through the present season. It 
is supposed to have been produced by the large importa- 
tions of lead between the passage and the operation of the 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 4OI 

tariff, together with the alarm excited in the eastern mer- 
chants by the reports of the large amount of lead manufac- 
tured here during the two last years. Provisions too, are 
much higher than they were last season, owing partly to 
the increased prices below, and partly to the low stage of 
the waters. These circumstances render the time of our 
commencing business most unfavorable. They will curtail 
our mercantile patronage at least one-half from the amount 
I had anticipated. With respect to subscriptions we shall 
do very well. We have the offer of a house which will 
answer for an office and my family, for $200 per annum, 
and although there are a great number of buildings to rent, 
it is the only one of like accommodations that we can get 
short of $300. Rents must come down, but the emigration 
this spring keeps them up for the present. 

Dr. Todd arrived at Springfield a day or two before I 
left that place, but I had no opportunity to converse with 
him respecting our establishment. Indeed, I considered it 
would be hardly right to insist on his exertions and influ- 
ence in our behalf, if he is to be removed from office, and 
we are to take part against his friend and favorite. He how- 
ever expressed himself well pleased with the prospectus. 
Judge Lockwood's exertions were limited to the first twen- 
ty minutes after I first saw him at Jacksonville, during which 
time he subscribed himself, and procured others for eight 
papers. On my return to Springfield from below, he had 
done nothing more, and had lost the subscription papers I 
left with him for distribution, although he knew I had to 
raise from $200 to $250, or not succeed in making an 
establishment here; and had been induced by him to 
26 



402 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

relinquish my purpose of going to the Rapids, which I 
could have done without the aid of my friends. On my 
return to Springfield he "asked me no questions," made no 
inquiries whether or how I had succeeded. This, however, 
is between ourselves. I have no disposition to complain, 
or to hold any man to the performance of a gratuitous 
promise. 

It was my intention when 1 sat down to write you fully 
my views on our present political affairs, but as the room 
is full of men in conversation, and the boat is nearly ready 
to start, I must defer it to another time. I believe, how- 
ever, you are pretty well aware of them. 

I would be glad to receive communications from you 

often, relative to state and national affairs. It might be 

well for you to write for the paper, in that case, let your 

communications be addressed to me, individually, at least 

such of them as you may wish to be held as confidentiaL 

I am respectfully, your obedient servant, 

H. Warren. 
His Ex. Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF J, F. POSEY. 

VANDALIA, June 19, 1829. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards. 

Sir : — Your letter of the 17th ult. has just come to hand. 
It is truly mortifying to me that I have never, since the 
receipt of your last letter, had it in my power to make out 
the papers in the case of Winn. The reason which I offer 
to your Excellency is that there is no indictment to be 






LETTER OF J. F. POSEY. 403 

found in the office of the Secretary of State. I, however, 
according to your instructions, wrote on to the clerks of 
the counties of Johnson and Union, respecting the indict- 
ment, requiring them if on file in either of their offices to 
forward it on immediately. To those letters I have re- 
ceived no answers. As soon as the indictment can be 
found the papers shall be made out without delay. Judge 
Hall requests me to ask you when you will be in Vandalia 
— if you are not here soon he wishes to write to you on 
some important business. 

In the meantime I beg leave to remain your Excellency's 
Very obe't and humble ser't, 
J. F. Posey, 
For A. P. FIELD, Sec'y of State. 

His Excellency NlNlAN EDWARDS, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 
(confidential.) 

Waterloo, June 20, 1829. 
DEAR Sir : — I came here on urgent business, and but 
for the affliction of Mrs. F., who can not spare me long 
from Kaskaskia, I would come up to see you, which I have 
been anxious to do for some time. Mrs. F. remains 
entirely as helpless as when she was ten days old, and when 
she will be otherwise God alone knows, but this I know, 
that dire as the calamity, if she is to remain so for years 
as has been the fate of others, I must prepare to meet it 
and act in that way which will most deprive misfortune of 
its sting. 



404 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I have had many conversations with Mr. R. on the sub- 
ject of the canal. There seems so far to be an inertness of 
action on the part of the commissioners which I fear our 
friends will be made to feel. What has been the result of 
your interviews recently with Mr. R. I am unable to con- 
jecture, but when he left Kaskaskia it was rather the wish 
of his friends that he would resign. I have been reading 
the law, and pondering the matter much in my mind, and 
conclude that it only needs a little productive energy on 
the part of the com'rs to fully meet the public expectation, 
do themselves and friends honor, and render high service 
to the State. 

But from the present board we may in vain expect any 
such result. Without meaning, or feeling the slightest un- 
kindness to any of them, one may with truth say the board 
is without the talents and courage necessary to the high 
and important trust reposed in them. It is of too much 
magnitude, and too closely connected with the character 
and prosperity of the state, for us to sleep over it through- 
out the years 1829 and '30. 

Should Mr. R. resign, and should you think my services 
in his place, (all things considered) proper I should like 
much to enter upon the duty. I think I could render the 
state important service in that character, without inter- 
fering with my present office, as there would be no incom- 
patibility in the places. I should feel grateful to you on 
another account, that whilst I was serving the people I 
would be acquiring the means to enable me the better to 
sustain myself under my present, and what I now expect 
to be a continued misfortune, in the crippled condition of 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 405 

Mrs. F. if she should finally recover. Should any of these 
suggestions in any way meet your views I should like to 
hear from you without reserve, and you may be assured 
that I am as I hope always to be, 

Yours most sincerely, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards,- 

Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

Letters of Hooper Warren from Galena; delay in the appearance of 
the Galena "Advertiser"; Dr. Philleo hunting for a keg of ink; 
a Jackson paper and Jacksonism ; toast of Col. A. Field at a 
4th-of-July celebration at Galena, 1829; if to be a Jackson paper, 
the Galena "Advertiser ".should be under the political control of 
Dr. Philleo; Kinney fishing for the support of the paper; agents 
of the lead-mines arriving at Galena; principal business men 
at Galena supporters of the Adams administration; disgusted 
at the course of the Jackson administration; letter of Governor 
Edwards to the postmaster-general; sharp criticism of the pro- 
ject to change the mail route so as to cut off Edwardsville ; 
letter of P. Bradley, assistant postmaster-general, in explanation; 
letter of John Reynolds ; wants to communicate with Governor 
Edwards in the spirit of peace and good-will, "let the past be 
forgotten"; Reynolds wants to be candidate for governor; 
friends of peace and good order urging his claim, not so much 
for him as for the public; "meet that we act together"; "we 
must head our opponents in our own way"; Reynolds elected 
governor in 1830 over his main opponent, Lieut. -Gov. William 
Kinney; both Jackson men, but Kinney the more pronounced 
and vehement; Reynolds a great master of the art of election- 
eering ; careful not to offend the anti-Jackson element ; Kinney 
an ultra-Jackson man ; the anti-Jackson men in the. State vote 
for Reynolds, and secure his election ; Zadoc Casey, on the 
ticket with Kinney for governor, was elected lieutenant-governor 
over Slocumb, who was on the ticket for lieutenant-governor 
with Reynolds. 

LETTERS OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, June r, 1829. 
Dear Sir : — Among other things which I forgot to 



LETTER OF, HOOPER WARREN. 407 

mention to you while at Belleville was that of meeting 
Judge Young at St. Louis. He confirmed the assurance 
previously made through you to me respecting a clerkship, 
excepting perhaps the office in Hancock county, which he 
had promised to Mr. Jenkins. He stated that he expected 
•both Hancock and Warren counties would be organized 
■during the present summer, and if I chose to take the lat- 
ter I could do so. To do this would interfere with present 
arrangements, otherwise it might be well for me to accept 
it. That will probably be the best county in the Bounty 
tract, especially if the county-seat should be fixed on the 
Mississippi, for while there is a good site just above the 
mouth of Henderson, Chicago I think would be still better, 
and under present circumstances it may be best for me to 
wait for that. 

An occurrence has taken place here since my arrival 
which may lead to a vacancy that might prove still more 
to my advantage than to take an appointment in either of 
those places. Col. Field has let his office for qne year to 
Mr. Ford, and has gone down the river with his family. 
There are various rumors respecting his departure — some 
think he will return in a few weeks, others that he will 
never come back again. I have heard it suggested that he 
has gone to Arkansas to receive some appointment under 
Gov. Pope. 

It is probable that this place was not in the view of 
Judge Young when he made his offer concerning me. But 
I would suggest to you that if my friends are desirous to 
avail themselves of my services in my profession, the 
appointment to the clerkship here might insure them, with- 



408 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

out special pecuniary aid, which the vicissitudes of the 
business so often require. I am well pleased with this 
place, and would prefer it for a permanent residence to any- 
other in the state, if I could obtain an adequate support. 

I wrote you a letter by Dr. Hancock, who went down in 
the packet last week. You will doubtless receive that be- 
fore this reaches you. It informed you of my progress 
thus far. The materials from Springfield are not yet 
arrived, but expected daily. The river is very low, and 
continues to fall. No steamboat has arrived for more than 
a week, and it is expected that the rapids are too low to 
admit any one to pass. 

Mr. Kercheval is here and at Prairie Du Chien alter- 
nately. He will return to Detroit soon. If you wish to 
engage him to take up your negro, a letter would probably 
meet him at this place before his departure. 
I am respectfully, your obe't serv't, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

Galena, July 6th, 1829. 
Dear Sir: — You are doubtless waiting with some 
degree of impatience for the appearance of the Galena 
Advertiser. After waiting more than three weeks after 
my arrival, the materials from Springfield arrived from 
St. Lo7cis. How they got there I have never learned. 
All March's boats had arrived previously. So much for 
his assurance to me that they should come in his boats. 
Mr. Codington, his partner, who came up, knew nothing 
about them. They were brought up to the Lower Rapids 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 409 

in a keel towed by the steam-boat Triton, and thence 
shifted to the Josephine. They were put on the top of 
the Tritons keel, and from exposure to wet, very much 
damaged. When we were elated with the certainty of 
getting out the paper immediately, we were astonished to 
find that the keg of ink had been left behind!! I put it 
into the wagon myself at Springfield with the other mate- 
rials sent to Beardstown on the Illinois. Dr. Philleo started 
down the river immediately, which was three weeks ago 
last Saturday, to look for it. We heard from him by 
letter at the Lower Rapids on the 20th ult. at which time 
he had not found it, and was about to start down to St. 
Louis. We expect him by the next boat or stage. 

We have received no answer from Messrs. Tillson & 
Holmes on my proposition to them respecting paper. Dr. 
P. will have seen them on his way down, or make some 
other arrangement at St. Louis. 

You must perceive that my mind is greatly perplexed 
at the course of the Administration since I saw you. 
When it was first suggested to me to come to this 
place, and consequently before I had any consultation 
with you, it was my wish and determination to print a 
"Jackson paper," if a support of the Administration upon 
the principles which had been avowed by the Executive 
before his election, might be called such. This was not 
because I had any love for "Jacksonism," but to render 
the paper as influential with the people as possible with 
respect to State politics. I concurred with your views 
entirely as expressed to me at Belleville. But I have 
seen that your expectations have not been realized with 



4IO THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

regard to the reforming system. Moreover you must have 
seen the ominous signs of the times respecting the tariff 
and internal improvements. Leaving the declarations 
from Georgia out of the question; what do you think 
of the course of the Louisville Advertiser and St. Louis 
Beacon? Penn with all his zeal for the tariff during the 
pendency of the election, it seems can now scoff at it 
editorially, and copy from the Richmond Enquirer with- 
out comment. Col. A. Field, at the celebration in this 
place last Saturday, gave a toast to this effect: "STATE 
RIGHTS — they zvill be protected under the present Adminis- 
tration, schemes of internal improvement and tariffs to the 
ton tra ry notwitJista n ding. 

As you have the right, I wish the paper to take such 
a course as will suit your views. If you wish it to go the 
whole hog in supporting the Administration, whatever 
course it may take, I shall make no objections, but I 
would disown, individually, to those who asked me, a 
participation in the promulgation of a sentiment or prin- 
ciple, which I could not approve. If such be in fact your 
wish, they might be carried into effect by giving the 
political management of the paper into the hands of Dr. 
Philleo. You will of course see the necessity of communi- 
cating your views as frequently as occasion may require. 
I need not assure you that they may be confidentially 
sent to me. 

Before his departure, Dr. Philleo received two letters 
from Mr. Kinney, the first of which tendered to him the 
"" public printing" of the State, as the Doctor understood 
it, but I think it must have been the laws of the U. S. that 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 41 1 

the Rev. gentlemen alluded to. The second was an 
inquiry what course our paper would take in the Gov- 
ernor's election? He had no doubt of Dr. P., but did not 
know how Dr. N. would go. 

Three or four new agents are here at present, among 

them Col. Wight of Gallatin Co. Capt. Legate is sta- 
tioned here, the others to go into the country. 

I have not received a letter from any person since my 
arrival. Returns of subscribers ought to have come in. 
We have on the paper here about 230 subscribers, includ- 
ing about 20 that I brought with me. This is pretty good 
encouragement before the issue of the first number. I 
ought perhaps to mention to you that the principal men 
in business in this place, from whom we expect support, 
are mostly friends of the late Administration, and very 
much disgusted at the course pursued by the present. 

I remain, your ob't serv't, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville. Illinois. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
POST-MASTER GENERAL. 

Belleville, Illinois, i 6 July, 1829. 
Sir: — It seems pretty evident from your recent adver- 
tisement for proposals for carrying the mail, that it is your 
intention to deprive us of the advantages of the Eastern 
line through this place, which we have enjoyed, by the 
decision of your predecessor, during the whole term of the 
present contract. 



412 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

As this measure is not required to effect the arrange- 
ments which your advertisement purposes; as no complaint 
has been made that the mail by this route has not arrived 
in time at St. Louis; as it cannot be said, with truth, that 
it cannot arrive at that place, by this route, with the great- 
est ease in the time contemplated by your advertisement ; 
and as the change which seems to be extended, cannot be 
effected in the manner proposed without unnecessarily 
increasing the expenses of your department, we cannot 
see the justice or propriety of applying to this class a dif- 
ferent rule or principle from that which governs in relation 
to other places that have no higher claims. We cannot, as 
was justly remarked to your predecessor, see why so cir- 
cuitous a route from Frankfort to Millersburg, or even from 
Frankfort to Lexington, should be tolerated, and yet so 
small an accommodation withheld from the county-town 
of the oldest, most wealthy of the most populous counties 
in the state ; and which county-town, I think the map will 
show, lies nearer to a straight line between Louisville and 
St. Louis than any other through which the mail passes. 

I have alluded to the route between Frankfort and 
Lexington, not that it is the only one of the kind, for they 
are numerous, but because it is well known to you, and be- 
cause I personally know that as much distance is super- 
added between these two points, as the difference between 
the usual road from Lebanon to St. Louis, and the one by 
this place. 

If the people of St. Louis, undervaluing the equal rights 
of the people of this state, have undertaken to complain of 
the latter, it should be recollected that the people any- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 413 

where to the westward of Frankfort have an equal right to 
complain of the former. All we want is to be treated like 
citizens similarly situated in other places. 

Confidently believing that you have been induced to 
make this change by false information, it is the object of 
this letter to enable you to detect those falsehoods and to 
ascertain the truth by documents within your reach that 
cannot deceive. 

The point where the roads fork on this side of Lebanon, 
the one coming to this place, the other going to St. Louis, 
is at a Mr. Westfield's, in the southerly part of N. E. qr. of 
Section 33, Town. 2, N. R. 7, W. of the 3 principal merid- 
ian. Belleville includes parts of Sections 21 and 22, Town. 
1, N. R. 8, W., and is upon two militia rights of 100 acres, 
each marked upon the maps of the general land office. 
Measuring the following straight lines, from the forks of 
the road to Belleville and thence to the ferry opposite 
the centre of St. Louis. For the route on which the mail 
now runs, and from the forks of the road direct to the 
latter point, for the route which your advertisement con- 
templates, and you will find the difference not to exceed 
about iy 2 miles. And this, I think is much the most 
favorable view that can be taken in reference to the pro- 
priety of the intended change, for though neither road is 
exactly straight, the latter, I am confident, is the least so, 
and of this you will see the strongest probability when 
informed, as is the fact, that the road from the before men- 
tioned forks in the southerly part of the N. E. quarter of 
Section 33, Town. 2, R. 7, W. runs by a Mr. Geo. Swigert's 
on the S. E. 13, T. 2, N. 8 W. and thence along the north- 



4H THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

erly part of Section 16, in the same township and range. 

The difference in the distance may be about three miles, 
but not more. To save this distance then upon one route, 
your plan is to run a stage twice a week between this 
place and Lebanon, and also to extend the route from 
Shawneetown to St. Louis instead of stopping at this 
place, neither of which would otherwise be necessary, while 
either of them would be more costly under any circum- 
stances that I can imagine, than continuing the mail as it 
now runs. Indeed, I do not believe there would be one- 
cent's difference in the bids, whether the mail runs as it 
now does, or as it is proposed to do. 

This change has produced great excitement in this 
quarter, and if you have no objection, we should be happy 
to know what representations have been made to you on 
the subject, and by who. It is believed that Mr. Kinney, 
our Lieut. Governor, who is making an establishment on 
the direct route and who is greatly interested in the 
change, has assisted to produce it; and if so it would seem 
to be right that it should be known, since he is understood 
to disavow it, and it is a fact within my own knowledge, 
that one of his nearest neighbors and most confidential 
friends, who professes to understand his views on this, 
declares that so far from advocating, he thinks it wrong 
that the mail should be taken from this place as proposed 
by your advertisement. N. EDWARDS. 

Post-Master General. 



LETTER OF P. BRADLEY 41$ 

LETTER OF P. BRADLEY. 

Post Office Department, 
Office of Mail Contracts, 

i August, 1829, 
Sir : — It is due to Mr. King to remark that he has not 
made any communication in regard to the change made in 
the mail's transit on the route indicated in your letter of 
the 1 6th ult'o, but an objection has been made by many 
individuals in and out of your state to the Department 
sending the important Western mail out of its way or 
regular direction, to the inconvenience of the traveller and 
delay of the mail, and in consequence of these objections 
the route has been advertised as it was heretofore, to the 
exclusion of Belleville — yet propositions may be so favor- 
ably made as to induce the Postmaster General to forego 
partial engagements made to individuals on the subject. 
You remark that a greater deviation from a straight line is 
made between Lexington and Frankfort, Ky., in the mail's 
transportation. Such has been the case, but the present 
Postmaster General has made an arrangement to send the 
mail between those points on the center road, to avoid the 
delay and inconvenience of traveling the less direct roads. 
I have the honor to be your obe't serv't, 

P. Bradley. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, 

St. Clair Co., Illinois. 



416 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS.* 

Waterloo, 12th Aug., 1829. 

Dear Sir : — I conceive it my duty to communicate with 
you. I do it in the spirit of peace and good-will. Let the 
past be forgotten. It is right for the public good to unite, 
and lay aside all personal difficulties. Many of your 
friends are mine. Many of them have proposed me to the 
public as a candidate for governor. It is necessary to 
secure success for us all to act in concert. All this anxiety 
for the good of the state will come to nothing if we do not 
act together. 

Friends to peace and good order are urging my claim^ 
not so much for me as for the public. For this public we 
all are interested. Therefore it is meet that we act 
together. This can be done without making much parade 
about it, at the beginning. I have been over some of the 

* John Reynolds was elected governor in 1830, after a long, laborious, and 
diligent canvass of more than a year. His opponent was William Kinney, 
the lieutenant-governor of the State when Edwards was governor. The Jack- 
son party at this time was practically the only political party in the State. 
Reynolds and Kinney were both Jackson men, and the canvass they made was 
on state and personal issues. Kinney was a more pronounced and vehement 
administration man than Reynolds. Reynolds was a great master in the art 
of electioneering, and while a great admirer of Jackson and supporter of his 
administration, in all his speeches in the canvass he was very careful never to 
offend the anti-Jackson element, while Kinney was very emphatic in his denun- 
ciation of the anti-Jackson men. The consequence was that when the election 
came off, the latter, though not very numerous, all rallied to the support of 
Reynolds, which secured his election. While Reynolds was elected governor, 
the candidate for lieutenant-governor, Rigdon B. Slocumb,* who was on the 
ticket with him, was defeated, and Zadoc Casey, who ran on the ticket with 
Kinney, was elected lieutenant-governor. Before the close of their respective 
terms, both Reynolds and Casey were elected members of Congress. 

* Slocumb was a man of no particular prominence. He served twice as a member of the 
house of representatives in the legislature (1824 and 1828) from Wayne County. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 417 

state this spring, and will see much of it this fall. I would 
be much pleased to say to our mutual friends that all was 
harmony in this section of the state. 

We must act not only in concert, but with energy to 
gain all points. We have the means, if we use them right. 
We must head our opponents in their own way. Presses, 
speeches, and much riding must be brought in to our aid. 
I will do my part. I was placed on the track at Vandalia 
for this purpose that I could help myself. I have not been 
lazy in the business. We are all equally interested in the 
present approaching contest. The office I go in for with 
the wishes of our friends is not the only one. 

Please write me to Kaskaskia by Mr. Cowles. 
Your humble ser't, 

John Reynolds. 

Gov. N. Edwards, Belleville. 

Fav'd by A. Cowles, Esq. 



27 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to John Reynolds ; replies to letter of 
the latter about gubernatorial matters ; as between Kinney and 
Reynolds, the latter has nothing to apprehend from his opposi- 
tion ; letter of Hooper Warren ; a chapter of his struggles to 
make a livelihood by printing and publishing a newspaper; gen- 
erosity and magnanimity manifested toward him by Governor 
Edwards ; discouraging condition of things as connected with 
the publication of his paper; has to work early and late, Sun- 
days and all ; Judge Young offers him clerkship of court in 
Hancock County ; his opinion of Kinney agrees with that of 
Governor Edwards ; letter of Duff Green ; all about scramble for 
office ; Kinney at Washington to obtain control of removals 
and appointments in Illinois under the Jackson administration ; 
members of Congress organize a corps in support of each other ; 
about the appointment of Doctor Edwards as the receiver of 
the land-office at Edwardsville ; urges Governor Edwards not 
to retire from politics ; inducements for him to be elected to 
the senate ; Crawford to be a candidate for the presidency; 
tells Governor Edwards in confidence that General Jackson will 
be a candidate for re-election ; certain appointments will break 
the charm which Kinney has attempted to weave ; a prudent 
man will guard at all times against contingencies ; Governor 
Edwards' friends should act together throughout the State. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
JOHN REYNOLDS* 

Belleville, Illinois, 14th August, 1829. 
Dear Sir: — I have received your letter of the 12th 

* This letter of Governor Edwards is in answer to the one written to him 
by Mr. Reynolds. 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 419 

llist. in answer to which I have no hesitation in saying 
that there is nothing of hostility growing out of any past 
occurrences, to prevent my cordially co-operating with 
my friends in favor of any candidate for Governor whom 
they may agree upon. I will not oppose their wishes, and 
would gladly aid them to the full extent of my abilities in 
any deliberately-formed and well-concerted plan of opera- 
tions for the public good. But unless the general wishes 
of the party shall be duly consulted and respected, and a 
concert and unity of action agreed upon, I must decline" 
taking any active part. Defeat is at all times unpleasant. 
It would be peculiarly so now, that so little prudence, 
foresight, and energy are required to render success not 
only absolutely certain, but overwhelmingly triumphant. 
I will not therefore be identified in any measures, cal- 
culated to jeopardize it. Harmony, as you justly remark, 
is essential. It will be best attained by duly recognizing 
the equal claims to respect and consideration of all friends 
who are disposed to co-operate with us. Jealousies and 
discords will be the inevitable consequences of even seem- 
ing to act upon the exclusive advice and for the particular 
interest of a few persons assuming to be principal leaders. 
An independent mind can not yield the right of deciding 
for itself, and there is something revolting in the very idea 
of being transferred. A general consultation is therefore 
expedient, and every one should be made to feel that his 
rights and his claims of every description are to be duly 
respected. My policy is to go for the good of the whole, 
of each and every one, according to his merits, and to do 
none injustice, by undue partialities to others, and I will 



420 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

venture to say that no party can be long kept together 
upon any other terms. 

At present, however, I do not intend to commit myself. 
I must understand things a little better first. If I were 
not one of the most forgiving men in the world, I should 
doubtless feel that I had much cause to be opposed to 
both you and your present competitor. But this I will 
say, at least, that as between you and Mr. Kinney, you 
have nothing to apprehend from my opposition. I con- 
sider you as having much the least to answer for in regard 
to the ruinous and oppressive results of the State Bank, 
and whether right or wrong, I am under the impression 
that you are, both more disposed to assert and more 
capable of maintaining the right of the State to all the 
vacant lands within its limits. Upon this question I 
honestly declare I have no doubts, and it is my intention 
in due time, not only to demonstrate our right, but to 
show the means by which we can maintain it without any 
resort to force, or the slightest interuption to the tranqui- 
lity of the Union. Besides that there is some reason to 
believe, that Mr. Kinney and his friends prefer another 
plan; their constantly charging me with insincerity in sup- 
porting this one, convinces me that they either can not 
comprehend my arguments in favor of it, or that they are in 
their hearts opposed to it. For none of them dare to meet 
me fairly before the people and answer the views which 
I took of this subject in my message to the last Legis- 
lature. ' This question demands fearless, faithful, and able 
advocates, both in Congress, and in the various depart- 
ments of our State Government, and I will go for no 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 42 1 

man that is not heartily in favor of it. I can maintain 

our right against any abilities, and I am determined to 

stick to it while there is a splinter to cling to. 

If therefore I understand you rightly on this subject, 

there is a strong probability that we shall for once at 

least be found warmly on the same side. &c, 

N. Edwards. 
John Reynolds, Esq. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN* 

Galena, August 16th, 1829. 

Dear Sir: — I received your letter of the 29th ult. on 
the 9th inst. From its tenor I presume you had not 
received intelligence of the great reforms in our land 
offices. It seems that if the administration wish your 
support, they are determined you shall co-operate with 
your worst enemies. 

I am not unconscious of the relations which have existed 
between you and myself from our first acquaintance; or of 
the generosity and magnanimity which you have con- 
stantly manifested towards me. The case with the present 
establishment is different from any preceding one. I am 
not publicly identified with it; nor have any interest in it, 
except my living for a limited period (which, as you will 
see before I close, is likely to be short), as your interest, 
therefore, was so much greater than mine, it was no more 
than strict justice that the paper should take such a course 
as would soonest enable you to realize your outgoes upon 

* This letter is but another chapter of the struggles of Mr. Warren to make 
a livelihood at his profession of printer and publisher of a newspaper. 



422 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

it. I have never for a moment believed you have ever had 
a desire to control my independence, as you are pleased to 
call it. I would rather express it, that you have never 
wished to take advantage of my dependence. 

What I am now about to write will be as unpleasant to 
you as it is distressing to me. The expenses which I 
incurred in travelling and in removing the printing mate- 
rials to this place, exhausted my funds, and I was obliged 
to ask a credit for part of the passage fare of myself and 
family to this place. On our arrival, instead of having an 
office built and a house rented for me, I had to look for 
lodgings; and we stopped at the house .of Mr. Leonard 
Goss, a poor man, whose wife was an acquaintance of 
mine in Boston. You have already been informed of our 
difficulties in getting the business started. I waited with 
patience in the hope that when we issued the first number, 
that some payments would be made. It is now a month 
since that time, and I have not yet seen the first cent paid 
for a subscription here, nor for anything else, excepting 
for an advertisement which was paid to me. I have 
boarded with Mr. Goss three months, and he, two weeks 
ago, informed me of the necessity of his being paid. I 
called on the doctors for funds, but they had none; they 
employed a man to go about the town to collect subscrip- 
tions in advance, but he could get nothing. Most of the 
subscribers had no money, and those who had, pleaded 
that N. & P. owed them. I have told the doctors that 
my sole object in embarking with them in the business 
was to get my living for the time being; and repeatedly 
pressed it upon them, that my current expenses must be 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 423 

paid, or I must quit and clear out; and that I must know 
what they can or will do very soon. Yet I can get no 
satisfaction from them on the subject. They are neces- 
sarily the collectors, as they attend in the counting- 
room and I in the office. If they receive any payments 
I do not know it, excepting such as they offset in paying 
their own debts. Mr. Goss is not in a situation to board 
me any longer. I must therefore go to keeping house ; 
and then if I can not get money to buy provisions, I must 
starve of course. For there is nothing like credit here 
now. I was told on my first arrival, that if a man trusted 
an article he would not get his pay, and if he lent a dollar 
he could not get it back again ; and I have found it so. 
You see that the paper has no advertising worth mention- 
ing. It takes, however, almost all that is going. There are 
nearly three hundred subscribers; a very good number for 
so young a paper, and could subscriptions be collected, it 
might do very well. Mr. Jones told me yesterday that he 
had "received assurances from a certain source, that he 
will be appointed to print the laws," and from the land 
sales being ordered in his paper, they would seem to be 
well founded. But it is not believed that Jones can go 
on with his paper. He has had no paper or ink for the 
last two weeks, but what we have lent him, and he has 
no money to get more, he is likewise very much involved 
here. 

From the foregoing you will see that I am likely to be 
compelled to leave this place very shortly; for if I have 
to beg my bread, I would rather go into the settlements. 
In that event, what shall I do with your property? I will 



424 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

not let it go out of my possession, except upon storage, 
unless the full value is paid or well and undoubtedly 
secured. N. & P. could not pay for it; whether they could 
secure it, I can not say. They are not the business men I 
took them to be; I would not advise you to authorize me 
to leave it in their hands on any other conditions. I see 
that by an advertisement of Mr. Ronaldson in Penn's 
paper, that he has reduced the price of long primer 20 
per cent since the purchase from Keemle, a difference of 
$50 in the amount paid him. I would suggest to you 
to write to Gen. Green, perhaps he could induce the 
administration to purchase the press and send out an 
Editor. If it wants the vote of this State, it must, I am 
sure, take some other means than those already resorted 
to, to get it. It will find it necessary to make some 
friends as well as punish its enemies. Or perhaps you 
might sell it here by taking lead in payment, at a con- 
siderable advance on the cash price, and depend upon its 
rise to bring up the full amount. 

Independent of the embarrassment above mentioned, I 
have been unwell for the last two weeks, and would not 
have attended to business, had not necessity required me. 
I am now confirmed in the opinion that I am like hundreds 
of others who have been obliged to quit the printing busi- 
ness on account of its not agreeing with their health. It 
might have been otherwise with me for the last two years, 
could I have labored less than I have done in it, but there 
is no probability of an amendment in this respect. Since 
I have started the business here I have had to work with 
all my might early and late, Sundays and all. It can not 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 425 

be otherwise unless two journeymen are employed at $10 
per week each. I have had no help the last week, and 
consequently to-morrow's paper will not be out in time 
for the mail. We had a man working for us until a 
journeyman could be procured. M'Guire was engaged, 
who was to come last Monday from Mineral Point. The 
man we had, left us on the ground of M'G.'s engagement. 
He has not yet come. 

Under these circumstances I have concluded it is best 
for me to take up with the first vacancy in Young's cir- 
cuit, but which happens to be a very good one in prospect. 
Judge Y. left here last week for Kaskaskia. Previous to 
leaving he offered me the situation in Hancock, or I might 
make my selection in any of the counties to be formed on 
the canal tract. 

The county-seat of Hancock will probably be between 
Fort Edwards and the upper end of the Des Moines 
Rapids. Fort Edwards would be the handsomest situa- 
tion, but it is too low down. The foot of the Rapids is 4 
or 5 miles above the Fort, is most central, and there is 
a good site about a mile above (the foot of the Rapids), 
where it is probable the county- seat will be. Opposite 
this place on the Indian side, is " Keokuk," the capital of 
"Aborigina," a description of which you may have seen 
in our first No. It is the best landing place for steam- 
boats, but as no titles in fee can be given for lots, our side 
would have the advantage. There will probably always 
be a great throng and stoppage of boats at these Rapids 
in low water. When Judge Young left here, I had not 
made up my mind to take the office in Hancock, but told 



426 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

him I thought I should prefer to wait for Chicago. He 
said he would not at any rate make the appointment till 
he saw me again. Should you see him before he returns, 
I wish you to inform him that I have concluded to go to 
Hancock, as the county is organized. You have probably 
been applied to, to make the appointments that devolve 
on you, It might be best not to give them all to me, as 
it might cause some dissatisfaction. The Judge of Pro- 
bate will probably not be worth anything worthy of 
notice; but the Recorder I suspect would bring some- 
thing. With respect to the time of my going down, I 
would rather, if it were possible, stay here during the 
winter, but I see no probability of support for that time. 
My wife expects to be confined in 5 or 6 weeks. It will 
be therefore late in the fall, and near the close of naviga- 
tion, before she can be moved. Should more favorable 
circumstances occur in my situation, I will let you know it. 
Very respectfully, I am, your ob't servant, 

H. Warren. 
Aug. 17th. 

The foregoing was written late last night when I should 
have been asleep. On reading it over this morning, I find 
that many of my ideas are imperfectly expressed, but I 
have no time to copy or make amendments. I hope you 
can find them out. 

I am glad your opinion of Kinney agrees so well with 
mine. I had supposed that of the two you preferred 
him to Reynolds. Judge Young is decided not to be a 
candidate. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 427 

LETTER OF DUFF GREEN * 

Washington City, August 19th, 1829. 

Dear Sir: — I addressed you a short note a few days 
since in reply to yours of the 1st of August. I now will 
explain to you the causes which have led to the appoint- 
ment of certain individuals in your State. 

You are aware that Kinney came on to the city for the 
purpose of obtaining the control of the removals and 
appointments expected to take place under the new 
administration. 

You ought to have been aware too that he brought on 
with him signatures to sustain his recommendations. The 
measures and policy of the administration were in accord 
with those, for which he contended, and you must know 
enough of the state of things here to appreciate my situa- 
tion, when Benton, Kane, Duncan, and most of the Ken- 
tucky delegation, professing to act on the same principles, 
divided from or rather opposed me as to men. Foreseeing 
this collision the members of Congress soon organized a 
corps in support of each other, and I had no alternative 
but to throw myself on my paper and my own inde- 
pendence. I carefully refrained from all interference with 
appointments, except so far as it became my duty to 
transmit letters on that subject to the different depart- 
ments. Finding that Gen'l Duncan was here and strongly 
supported by that whole interest for the Indian agency 
now held by Hamtrainer, I waited upon the President, 
went into a minute detail of the political relations of 

* This letter will show that politics were about the same a half a century 
ago as they are now. 



428 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Illinois and Missouri, and explained fully the personal 
collision between his old friends and the Crawford and Clay 
men who had been forced out of the Jackson ranks. He 
listened to me with great interest and assured me of his 
disposition to sustain my friends and his and gave me a 
positive assurance that his subsequent appointments 
should be made from that portion of your citizens. I 
took that occasion to speak of Doctor Edwards and to 
urge his appointment as Receiver at Edwardsville; he 
suggested the propriety of waiting until the expiration of 
Mason's term and that the Doctor should in the meantime 
get letters setting forth his claims. I understood this to 
be a pledge to appoint him, at the same time that it was 
a delicate request that our friends should relieve him from 
responsibility by making each case as strong as possible, 
and upon this conversation I was induced to give you and 
Doctor Edwards the assurance that West would not be 
appointed. 

This conversation took place during the absence of Mr. 
Ingham, and I had not conversed with him before the 
app't of West, which took place as follows: 

Mr. Pell was instructed to enquire into the complaints 
against Mason, and to report whether he had been 
engaged in speculating in script. When his report came 
in, Mr. Ingham took up the case to the President, and 
having resolved to make the removal, Mr. Ingham, after 
an examination of the papers, reported 'in favor of West, 
and his appointment was made on the weight of recom- 
mendation. There being no recommendations in behalf 
of Dr. Edwards, his name was not brought before the 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 429 

President, and the conversation with me did not occur to 
him. To say that the appointment would be recalled if 
a justifiable cause could be afforded, will not do justice 
to the feelings of the President. I am confident that he 
is as much or more mortified than you or I at it, but what 
are we to do? It only remains for you to make the best 
use you can of these things. Relax not in your efforts. 
Prove that your support of the President is sincere. Write 
to HIM in confidence, and all that has transpired will tend 
to increase instead of diminish your future influence. Per- 
mit me to say to you that you must not retire from 
politics. There are many inducements now presented, 
and if you can come into the Senate next year you will 
have a most complete triumph over your old enemies. 
Crawford aspires to be a candidate for the Presidency 
and has lately written a letter to one of his friends in New 
York expressing his desire to be brought forward in terms 
not to be misunderstood. I have acted my part with 
prudence and tell you now in confidence that Gen'l Jack- 
son will be a candidate for re-election. No man looks 
with a more jealous eye to his future fame, and the oppo- 
sition which it has been my policy to bring forth in all 
its bitterness at this early period has made essential to the 
party as well as to himself that he should be a candidate, 
In the meantime many interests arising out of the new 
state of things will place you, if in the Senate, in a situa- 
tion to triumph over your enemies. I see that Duncan's 
paper at Vandalia endeavors to make the most of the new 
appointments. If you and your friends are prudent you 
will control the future appointments. I will give you an 



430 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

account of them in a few days. Doctor Lane of St. 
Louis will be appointed Postmaster there, and should any- 
thing occur that will be acceptable to Doctor Edwards in 
your State he has only to apply for it and I am confident 
of his success. These appointments will break the charm 
which Kinney has attempted to weave and the knowledge 
of them should not only make you forgive the past but 
increase your efforts for the future. I wish you to write 
to Doctor Edwards and satisfy him that all things are 
well. You may show him, but no one else, this letter, after 
it is read do me the favor to destroy it; because I have 
said enough in it to give food for more misrepresentations 
than would fill the opposition prints for one year. I find 
that I can not well say less. So far from differing in poli- 
tics we will be together ; but you must rely some little 
upon the faiths which my advantageous position justifies 
me to expect. Your advice is always acceptable, and I 
trust you will not hesitate to write. 

Your friend and relative, 

Duff Green. 

A prudent man will at all times guard against contin- 
gencies. The strongest man should never rely on his own 
strength. Your friends throughout the State should act 
together. There is no hostility here towards the friends 
of Mr. Adams. Letters from them and the old friends of 
Gen'l Jackson will have great influence. You should use 
all means in your power to bring them to act in concert, 
always carefully keeping my name out of your conversa- 
tions. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Letter of John Reynolds to Governor Edwards and Alfred Cowles; 
about starting out on an electioneering tour; Kinney urged as 
being the exclusive Jackson man before the people; "these 
lies must be headed"; "I go the whole hog for our people"; 
loves an active man more than a drone; recommends that the 
prominent Adams men should not abuse Jackson; "to keep 
cool and dark " on the election between him and Kinney; letter 
of Martin VanBuren, secretary of state, in relation to the sur- 
render of Paul Vallad by the government of Canada; letter of 
George Forquer; the struggles and poverty of the early lawyers 
of Illinois; endeavoring to raise the sum of $300; letter of 
Hooper Warren ; light shed upon the political condition at 
Galena at that time; Galena, the great centre of political in- 
fluence; James Jones, the first printer of Galena ; and Moses 
Meeker, one of the first settlers ; Meeker's Point; "The Point"; 
name finally changed to Galena; Major Legate, superintendent 
of the United States lead-mines at Galena; Thomas Ford and 
James W. Stephenson said to be the editors of the " Miner's 
Journal"; Ford then a young lawyer at Galena; elected gov- 
ernor of the State in 1842; Judge Doty of the United States 
District Court of Michigan Territory becomes the Green -Bay 
correspondent of the "Galena Advertiser"; claims that the 
southern bend of Lake Michigan shall be the boundary; large 
majority of the Galena people want that line established; Kin- 
ney expected to visit Galena at the November court; letter of 
John Reynolds; returns after a thirty-six days' tour through 
the Wabash country; three - fourths of that country will "go 
in" for him against Kinney; Archer and Lowry "go in" for 
Reynolds much before Kinney; thinks that they would love to 
vote for Governor Coles if they could succeed with him; lies 
circulated that he is an Adams man; the only thing that Kin- 



432 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

ney and friends have to go on; McRoberts whining about his 
voting for Forquer for attorney-general before him; sees McLean 
at Carmi; he is in a great heat of anger against Kinney and 
Kane. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS TO GOVERNOR 
EDWARDS AND ALFRED COWLES. 

Clear Lake, 4th Sept., 1829. 

GENTLEMEN: — I am about starting to the White Co. 
Circuit Court, and will continue up to Vermillion Co. I 
will return home by Shelby and Montgomery. My friends 
all say this route is right. I hear from various quarters 
that K. and his friends are urging on the people, that K. is 
the exclusive Jackson man before the people. Col. Wight 
tells in Sangamon that K. will get all the Jackson men in 
the South, and I the Adams people. These lies must be 
headed. I have still the notion that an address to the 
people soon would correct all these lies, that I go in for 
Adams, &c, but I leave the time with you two. If you 
deem it best to publish it in the newspapers for the 
present, you can strike out the objectionable parts and 
send it down to Fleming. I think it ought to be framed 
as to state proper and prompt execution laws ; not but 
they are right, but it is better to ease along for the present. 

Mr. Breese, or some of our friends, could superintend the 
correct printing of it in the Western Democrat. The rest 
of the papers would publish it, so that enough would be, 
but at all events for the present. 

I conversed with Mr. Forquer, and am well pleased with 
the information given me. I go in the "whole" "hog" for 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 433 

our people. I will have no choice among friends, but I do 
love an active man more than a drone. Believe me the 
county elections shall not be forgotten. On this much 
depends. 

I sincerely recommend it to all the prominent Adams 
men not to abuse Jackson, but go in for his administration 
as far as it is right. .No administration ought to be sup- 
ported farther. And particularly for them to keep cool and/ 
dark on the election between me and K. It would do no 
good, and perhaps much harm, to raise the old question. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 
Gov. Edwards ^ 

and V Belleville, 111. 

A. COWLES, Esq. J 

P. S. I hear in Greene that Jas. Lemen has some 

notion to offer for governor. I wish he could be seen on 

the subject. A letter from Gov: Edwards to Messrs. Field, 

Kimmel, and others would do well. 



LETTER OF MARTIN VAN BUREN * 
Department of State, 
Washington, 9th September, 1829. 
His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois, Vandalia. 
Sir: — I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency 

* This is an official letter written by Mr. VanBuren when he was secretary 
•of state, during General Jackson's administration. It would be interesting to 
know the circumstances attending the demand for the extradition of Vallad 
and what was the communication alluded to of Mr. Vaughn, who was then 
the British minister. 

28 



1 



434 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the copy of a communication from Mr. Vaughn, which has 
just been received at this Department, in answer to the 
application which was lately made by it at your instance,, 
through him, to the Governor General of Canada, for the 
surrender of Paul Vallad and of a mulatto slave stolen by 
the said Vallad from a citizen of Illinois, who were sup- 
posed to have taken refuge in lower Canada, and to be,, 
with great respect, your obedient servant, 

M. Van Buren. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER* 

Waterloo, Oct. 5, 1829. 
Dear Sir: — When I was at Belleville on my way up the 
country I recollect that you said in the event of my deter- 
mining to sell my land adjoining the town of Springfield, 
you would like to have the preference in the purchase. I 
have between 45 and fifty acres, adjoining the town on the 
south, and it is admitted by everybody to be the most 
beautiful property about the place. I believe it is better 
for me to sell, because I believe I am not able to hold it 
and profit by its rise. By dividing it into small lots I be- 
lieve it would sell for $500, on a credit of six months. I 
had when there several applications for small lots of 5 and 
10 acres, but I' would rather sell the whole to some person 
who could pay promptly at a low price. I find in order to 

* This letter illustrates the struggles and poverty of our early lawyers. Mr. 
Forquer was at this time one of the most prominent lawyers of the State, and 
the attorney-general. He was endeavoring to raise the small sum of $300, 
either by sale of property or by giving a draft on the State for $350, which 
was the amount of his yearly salary. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FQRQUER. 435 

make myself and family perfectly easy and comfortable, 
until I can fairly get under way in the upper country, that 
I will need about $300, to live upon and to discharge a 
few debts, to the amount of about $100. Rather than to 
meed the means to do either of these when called on I 
would sell that property for $350, which is what I told you 
when we spoke of it, and which is 33^ per cent less than 
any property adjoining is estimated at, and has been sold 
at. Should you feel disposed to purchase I will be glad to 
sell, and one hundred of the amount I will want in goods, 
and in payment of the demand you hold against my 
brother John. Nothing but the leanness of my purse 
would induce me to sell at this time, but the truth is I am 
now closer to the wind than I have been for some time, 
and more so than I can be again soon. The above sum 
however would place me in perfectly easy circumstances. 

Should you not feel inclined to invest cash in this kind of 
property I should like to raise the sum of $300, by giving 
my draft upon the state for my next year's salary $350, to 
any person who would let money at that interest, which is 
nearly 18 per cent. This would be as certain security as a 
borrower of money could well give, as the payment would 
be as certain as the life of the borrower. 

If it would suit your interest to accommodate me upon 
either of these plans it will add one more to the many obli- 
gations I already feel for your past kindness, but I do 
most sincerely hope you will not think I would presume 
upon that kindness unless I thought my offers, if you have 
the spare capital, would in some degree be beneficial to 
you, though I would be greatly the obliged person. Will 



43 6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

you have the kindness to answer me by the bearer. Mr. 

Cowles has loaned money at a less interest than I offer, it 

may be he would take the draft upon the State. 

Yours sincerely, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN.* 

Galena, Oct. 6, 1829. 
Dear Sir: — My situation at this place has not materi- 
ally altered for the better since I wrote to you last. To 
render it more convenient to my partners I have consented 
to board with Dr. P., but it is by no means comfortable or 

* This letter of Mr. Warren sheds considerable light upon the political con- 
dition in Galena at that time. Galena was then the only point of any import- 
ance in the entire northwestern part of the State, and was the great centre of 
political influence. Jones was the first printer of Galena. Moses Meeker 
was one of the very first settlers of what afterward became Galena; the place 
was first named Meeker's Point. The Meeker's was subsequently dropped, 
and it was known as "The Point", until the name was changed by a.meeting 
of the citizens, to the very appropriate name of Galena. Captain or Major 
Legate, as he was known, the superintendent of the United States lead-mines 
there, was an ex-army officer — an intelligent and gentlemanly man, who con- 
tinued to live at Galena until his death, many years ago. Major Campbell, 
his assistant, was from Jackson, Tennessee, and a great friend of General 
Jackson, to whom he was indebted for his place. 

As to Ford and Stephenson, who were said "to be the editors of the Miners' 
yozcrnaI, n Ford was then a young lawyer at Galena, subsequently to become 
governor of Illinois, and Stephenson was one of the most influential of the 
young men at the lead-mines at that time, and made a land-officer, when the 
land-office at Galena was established. Judge Doty was James Duane Doty, 
one of the district judges for Michigan Territory. He was a delegate in 
Congress from Wisconsin for four years, from 1837-41; governor of Wiscon- 
sin Territory, 1841-44; afterward for several years a representative in Con- 
gress from the State of Wisconsin; and in 1864 appointed, by Mr. Lincoln, 
governor of Utah Territory, and died at Salt Lake, Utah, June nth, 1865. 






LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 437 

agreeable, especially in the present situation of my family. 
Our paper may be said to be doing very well. The sub- 
scription is constantly increasing, and begins to have con- 
siderable advertising, but the payments are few, so far as 
they are known to me. Mr. Jones seems to be indebted 
to almost everybody here, and business is given to him in 
order to redeem his debts. Several merchants have told 
us that as soon as they get him out of their debt they will 
give all their business to us. It was a mistake about Dr. 
P.'s receiving a letter from Mr. Kinney, offering him the 
Public Printing. Mr. K. traveled from Washington with 
Mr. Moses Meeker of this place, and requested him to tell 
Dr. P. that he could give him the contract for the Public 
Printing. Dr. P. took it to be the State printing that was 
meant, and inquired of me who had the disposal of it. I 
informed him. Dr. Newhall afterwards informed me what 
gave rise to the inquiry, by saying that P. had received a 
letter, &c, from K. Upon inquiring of P. since the receipt 
of your last letter, he explained it to me as above, and 
added, that from my statement he thought Mr. Meeker 
misunderstood K., and he had written to Mr. K. requesting 
hin> to use his influence to get the U. S. Printing for us. 
Dr. P. did however receive a letter from K. soon after his 
return from the East, inquiring what course the Galena 
Advertiser would take in the Governor s election, to which P. 
returned an answer that lie did not know. I have ascer- 
tained that, the certain soiuxe of Mr. Jones' information 
that he would be appointed was a letter from his brother, 
the Rev. Wm. Jones, and that it was to come from the 
Rev. Mr. K. 



i 



43 S THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Capt. Legate, our superintendent, has written to Mr. 
Van Buren in our behalf, and Major Campbell, his assist- 
ant, a personal acquaintance of the President, has ad- 
dressed Gen. Jackson on the same subject. But I think as 
Mr. V. B. has taken up Mr. K. that unless the President 
interferes, that Jones will get it. 

I have thought strange that your friends here, and those 
of my friends in the state who advised me to come to this 
place, should do all in their power to undermine and put 
down this establishment. I am informed that none have 
been more zealous in that course than Messrs. Ford & 
Stephenson. It is said they are to be the editors of the 
Miners Journal. It is certain that since its resuscitation 
it has received the benefit of both their pens. I have per- 
haps no right to complain of either, more especially of Mr. 
F., as I have never had any particular manifestation of his 
good regard, except during the pendency of the last con- 
gressional election. But considering the advice you gave 
me with respect to the administration, and viewing him as 
your confidential friend, his conduct has been really sur- 
prising to me. Our prospectus carried the idea of a Jack- 
son paper — the editorial address in the first No. the same; 
yet for the 2d No. he brought me a piece commenting on 
an article in the St. Louis Beacon in favor of the adminis- 
tration of Jackson, in which the Beacon, if not Jackson, was 
abused in the most scurrilous manner, so much so that I 
would not at all events have consented to publish it with- 
out alteration. I briefly explained to him the course we 
intended to take, alluded to our prospectus, &c, and sug- 
gested to him that we had better let the Jackson writers 






LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 439 

begin first, and then he could reply, &c. But he seemed 
to be offended, and has taken the course indicated above. 

It will perhaps eventuate to my benefit that you had 
previously disposed of the appointments for Hancock. 
My highest ambition is, to put myself in such a situation 
that I can comfortably support my family and educate my 
children, without being a burden to my friends. This I 
believe I can, and am determined to do. I am fully per- 
suaded that Warren will be the best county in the Bounty 
Tract; but 1 am afraid the back settlements would be too 
strong to fix and retain the county-seat on the Mississippi. 
Were both counties to be organized at the same time I 
would prefer Chicago, because I feel confident that it will 
be the principal commercial port in our state; and besides, 
as I have numerous relations in the western part of New 
York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, none of whom have 
I seen for nearly twenty years, I could at that place have 
an easy and more direct communication with them, and 
perhaps induce some of them to move hither. If I could 
get into any employment at Chicago, or on the canal tract, 
next summer, I think I would go, independent of the 
prospect of any appointment. 

I hope you have read the numbers of our Green Bay 
correspondent. He is Judge Doty. You are among 
others to whom he requested us to send the papers con- 
taining his essays. / want you to answer them. You will 
see that the whole of his arguments respecting Ohio 
and Indiana do not apply to Illinois,. as our boundary has 
the assent of Congress, while that of the former states has 
not. I will further suggest to you that, the ordinance 



440 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

does not say that the east and west line from the southerly 
bend of Lake Michigan shall be the boundary ; but that 
Congress may form one or more states north of that line — 
and would not the southern boundary of the state of Wis- 
consin at 42 30' be in accordance with that injunction ox- 
permission? Further, Illinois has a natural right to a port 
on Lake Michigan, which the old line would cut her off 
from. This subject is of more importance than you may 
think it is. A large portion, perhaps a majority of the 
people here, are of Judge Doty's opinion, and are wishing: 
and expecting the old line to be established. I have been 
informed that Judge D. has said that should a case of 
jurisdiction come before him, he would decide against us.. 
The contention in Michigan proper is for ten miles only,, 
which Ohio and Indiana have got north of the "east and 
west line." 

I hope I shall yet see you here this fall. Kinney is to 
make us a visit, probably at the November court. We 
received no Vandalia papers last week, of course could not 
finish your letter to Berry. I think you have "used them 
up." It seems that Hall could afford to print but a few 
paragraphs of your letter at a time, while he would devote 
six or eight columns to a "simpleton story" from his own 
brain. Yours, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 44 1 

LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS.* 

Clear Lake, 13th Oct., 1829. 

DEAR Sir: — I reached home after a 36 days' tour 
through the Wabash country. I can not be mistaken 
when I inform you that three-fourths of that country will 
go in for me against K. All the men of sober, reflecting 
character, of all sides, say K. ought not to be elected. In 
White, Wabash, Clark, Edgar, and Vermillion there will 
be almost an unanimous vote against him. In the other 
counties there is not such a rooted hatred against him. 
The Judge and all the lawyers, except W. Ketchel, who 
says he will not be against me and the rest, will take an 
active part in the election. I am under great obligations 
to Robinson, Harlin, and Judge Wilson for their support 
and friendship. 

I returned by the way of Shelby Co. and Vandalia. In 
those places there is little said on the subject by the com- 
mon people. They are new and strange to one another. 
I must attend to the interior counties before the election. 

As to the result, there can be no doubt between me and 
Kinney. There are many on the Wabash, and in other 
places, if they could succeed with an Adams man they 
would not vote for either of us, but they are fearful to try 
the experiment. A letter from you to Messrs. Archer, 
Lowry, Capt. Alexander, sen'r, and others whom you may 

* This letter lets in a great deal of light on the gubernatorial canvass of 
Reynolds. He evidently had a strong backing on the Wabash, as many of 
the most prominent men in that section were his friends. The hardest thing 
for him to meet was the charge of Kinney and his friends, that he was an 
"Adams' man". McRoberts "whined" about his voting for Forquer for 
attorney- general, instead of himself. 



442 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

know better than I do, would have a good effect. The 
two first named men, Archer and Lowry, go in for me 
much before K., but I think they would love to vote for 
Gov. Coles if they could succeed with him, which is out of 
the question. This notion is given up by Coles' best 
friends, as I understand by Mr. Jas. Mason and others. 
Old Capt. Alexander is much your friend, and is much for 
Jackson. He will go in for me or K. at all events. A 
letter from you to S. Stewart of Mt. Carmel, would do 
well. He is strong Methodist. 

I passed through Ferguson's Settlement or Silver Creek, 
and find them halting and doubting more than I expected. 
I think Conway or Todd could aid in the business with F. 
I can not by my present arrangement be at the court next 
week at Edwardsville, as I want to be at Jonesboro' at the 
same time, and so go on with Judge Browne to Gallatin. 
If I can leave home, I know that I ought to see the south- 
ern part of this state. On this subject I want to hear from 
you and Mr. Cowles. 

As to the circular I am certain, from all I hear, it ought 
soon to be put out to the people, when they first begin to 
agitate the question; but I suppose it will do when we 
meet at Vandalia at court in December. In the meantime 
I will see in the south about the state paper statement. 
This circular would end the lies that our opponents try to 
circulate for truths — that I am an Adams man, &c. This 
lie is the only thing that I hear of which K. and friends 
have to go on. McRoberts is whining about my voting 
for Forquer before him for Attorney General. I silence 
all by showing the fact, that it was generally agreed in the 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 443 

Legislature that an office confined to a section of the state 

should be regulated by the Representative of that section. 

A majority of the circuit where F. presides prefered him. 

If you have time please write me the news, so I may 

know how to act. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 

P. S. Please shew the above to our friend A. Cowles, 
Esq. 

N. B. I saw McLean at Carmi. He is in a great heat 
of anger against Kinney, and same against Kane. It was 
agreed amongst all not to make any removals in this state 
until an enquiry could be made into the cases. Ingham 
put it into writing, but McLean and Duncan left the city, 
and K. came on from Boston. This agreement was vio- 
lated. It seems that McLean is interested personally to 
put the matter right. If so, K. must fall. It would be 
well for you to correspond with McLean on the subject. 
He was at Vandalia, but returned to Shawneetown. 

J. R. 
Gov. Edwards, Belleville. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Letter of John Reynolds; still on his canvass for governor; his 
friends interested in him "for the good of the country"; the 
welfare of his friends and country to have his whole attention 
whether elected or not; everything right in Union County; 
thinks it will be so in Jackson County; an immense current 
against Kinney in that quarter; letter of Duff Green; appoint- 
ment of Emanuel J. "West as charge d'affaires to Peru ; Ing- 
ham not a friend of Governor Edwards; Duncan constantly 
with him and fills his ears with slanders; letter of George 
Forquer; proposed sharp practice to get control of a newspaper 
at Springfield; shows political management in this State in 
"ye olden time"; letter of Duff Green; Samuel D. Ingham, 
secretary of treasury under General Jackson, surrounded by 
bitter enemies of Governor Edwards; Ingham's hostility to the 
governor; West tells the president that John McLean of the 
senate is hostile to him ; suggests that if Edwards will beat 
Duncan for Congress, all will be right; letter of A. P. Field; 
the gubernatorial contest for 1830 already entered upon; poli- 
tical meetings in Union, Johnson, and. Pope counties; letters 
of A. P. Field; candidates who will be elected to the senate 
and house; Brooks not elected but Grammar is; John Gram- 
mar's speech as given by Judge Gillespie; Grammar, an early 
settler of Southern Illinois; member of the territorial council;' 
afterward for many years a state senator; a type of the early 
Egyptian politicians; ignorant, illiterate, and full of prejudice, 
but inflexibly honest ; while hating the " abolishioners," was 
never in legislative rings, and their hands never stained with 
bribes: letter of Hooper Warren; Jones of the opposition paper 
supports Kinney for governor; Colonel Wight sent to Galena 
for the purpose of operating for Kinney; VanBuren's and Kin- 
ney's arrangements must be broken in upon; removals and 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 445 

appointments in this State intended to mortify Gov. Edwards; 
Doctor Newhall in favor of Reynolds; Thomas Ford elected 
governor in 1842; backed out as a justice of the peace at 
Galena in 1829; wants to leave the establishment in the spring. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS* 

JONESBORO, 24th Oct., 1829. 

DEAR Sir: — I find everything right in this county, and 
think it will be so in Jackson. There is an immense cur- 
rent in this quarter against Kinney. It is impossible for 
him to stem it. 

The Revs. Peck and Green, of the Rock Spring, have 
great weight with their church in this county. All here 
look to these men for information. The Rev. Edwards of 
this county is against K., but a communication with the 
church here and the gentlemen of the R. Spring would do 
much. Please attend to this matter. It is right for the 
good of the country it should be done. Mr. Cowles or you 
can see the above gentlemen, get them to write and keep 
a writing down here. 

There are very many interested for the good of the 
country in this election. I am selected as the preferable 
agent to effect this good, and I do assure you that the 
wellfare of my friends and the country shall have my whole 
attention, elected or not. 

* Reynolds is still on his canvass, and this letter is characteristic of him. 
His friends are interested in him "for the good of the country", and the "wel- 
fare of his friends and the country" are to have "his whole attention, whether 
elected or not. " 



446 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

You will see in the Democrat the meeting was had in 

this county. 

Yours truly, 

John Reynolds. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN * 

Washington, 220I Nov., 1829. 

Dear Sir: — Your letter relative to West is received. 
His appointment as charge d'affaires to Peru was made 
upon the recommendation furnished him from the West 
and sustained by a strong mercantile interest in New 
York, whilst having a large amount of property in Peru 
advanced his outfit and urged his appointment. You have 
been deceived as to the use of public money by West. I 
have seen the Bank returns corresponding with the Regis- 
ter's report up to the first of November, showing that all 
the money received by West has been paid into the Bank 
at St. Louis. 

So much for West. As to Benjamin I have written to 
you and to him, and have notified you both that there is 
no recommendation of him on hie in the Treasury, and 
you can not be ignorant of the necessity of placing some- 
thing on record to sustain the appointments. If the item 
friends of the President have been more successful it is be- 

* Emanuel J. West, whose appointment as charge d'affaires to Peru is 
spoken of, was a prominent man of Madison County at this time; a great 
democrat and pro-slavery man. Judge Joseph Gillespie represents him as- 
being a splendid conversationalist, and possessed of fine manners. He settled 
in Illinois, in 1818, on a beautiful farm near Edwardsville, which he called 
" Glorietta ". He died before reaching his post. 






LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 447 

cause they have sustained themselves and made a stronger 
case. It is too much to find fault with me, or with the 
President, for not doing what you and his friends in 
Illinois ought to do. 

Mr. Ingham is not your friend. Duncan is constantly 
with him, and fills his ears with slanders against you. I 
hope that your project of going to Texas will not be car- 
ried into effect. You ought to come here. I have pre- 
vailed on the President and Mr. Ingham to postpone the 
appointment of a successor of West until Benjamin can 
have time to send on recommendations. I have also 
written to Presley on the subject. I have the word of the 
President, if proper recommendations are sent in. 

Yours affectionately, D. GREEN. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER * 
(confidential.) 

Springfield, Nov. 3, 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — I have but a few minutes to write, and 
my anxiety to inform you of a transaction in which I have 
been engaged since I came here must be my excuse for 
the careless manner of this letter. 

When on my way here I lodged with the printer, Mere- 

* This letter shows the political management in this State in "Ye Olden 
Time ". This was a movement in the interest of Reynolds as against Kinney. 
The newspaper in question was to be a Jackson paper any how, and the ques- 
tion was whether it should be under the control of the friends of Reynolds or 
the friends of Kinney. It is certain that a very sharp game was contemplated 
against the latter, but it did not succeed. 



44 8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

dith, who is about to print a Jackson paper at this place. 
I sounded him as to its intended course in state politics, 
and soon found that it was to be a Kinney- Jackson paper, 
to be edited behind the name of the printer by McRoberts, 
who comes here to reside as soon as the district court is 
over. I then contrived to alarm him by laughing about 
the fate of several poor printers who the same set of 
fellows had heretofore used up in their service. He be- 
came uneasy, and next morning said they had been delay- 
ing and fooling him long enough, and if they did not fur- 
nish the cash when he came to town he would print for 
anybody that would start him. I told him to let me hear 
from him when I got to town. On his arrival he called on 
May and Taylor (who he said were to furnish the cashj 
$400, to start him) and they wanted him to wait only a 
few days longer. (Bell being then here Uncle Sam's cash 
must all be in sight.) The printer, not understanding the 
true cause of delay, became disgusted and came immedi- 
ately to me. I collected six of our friends, and we paid 
$160, and bound the printer to secrecy wider penalty of 
being dumped from the establishment and deprived of all the 
proceeds, but if he is faithful he is to have the establish- 
ment and all the proceeds as long as he will publish it 
under onr direction and no longer. The cost will be $385 
to start it with five reams of paper, $235 down, $150 in 
three or six months; $75 are wanting to start it. I have 
written to Dr. Edwards and McKee for God's sake to pay 
that sum to Capt. Henry, who is to procure some friend in 
St. Louis to purchase the press, take charge of it and 
bring it to Springfield. The other $150 we must depend 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 449 

upon our friends elsewhere to assist us in paying. The 
beauty of the thing is, that Kinney and his friends here 
and elsewhere are now pushing the prospectus for signers 
and it is not intended that they shall know the paper will be 
against them until they have done all they can for it in 
this way, and the subscription lists are all returned. It 
will be time enough for the printer to let them know when 
the first number is about to be issued that he does not 
need the assistance of Lord Mansfield. What a shock this 
— will it not be? All is so far well contrived, and they 
have not the least suspicion, nor will they have until the 
paper is in motion. The printer is to say he has received 
funds from Ohio, which they know he has been expecting, 
or rather he is to write this from St. Louis, and desire his 
Jackson friends to push on with the subscription lists. 
The deep secrecy in which this transaction is covered ren- 
ders it dangerous to call upon too many of our friends for 
assistance, and as there was no time for delay it was then 
or never. The examiner once gone and the land sales over, 
and they would have had a Jackson press here, but as it 
is they can not start one without exposing the fact that it 
is not Gen. Jackson they want supported, for ours will do 
that. I am to edit it behind the name of the printer for 
nothing. Whether our friends at Edwardsville will let the 
advantage we have got fail or not I know not. It depends 
on them entirely, for Capt. H. can not go further than he 
has at this time, nor can I. I have said to them, rather 
than it should now fail, if they will only lend it to him I 
will repay it in six months, which would give me time to 
collect from our friends elsewhere. The paper will be fur- 
29 



450 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

nished to 200 or 300 gratis, in addition to the subscription 

list. Such is our contract. It will, if it succeeds, have a 

more extensive circulation than any of our papers. I am 

not to be known as having control of the paper. The first 

number will issue to Mr. Kinney s Jackson friends about 

the 20th, and then it should be pushed among Reynolds' 

and our folks. 

Yours in great haste, 

George Forquer. 

I hope I may see you at the district court, and also 

Cowles and Reynolds. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN.* 

Washington, 4th Nov., 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — You will see that West is otherwise pro- 
vided for ! ! ! ! and that the office at Ed. ve is vacant. I 
was much disappointed, upon calling at the Treasury, to 
find that there was not a single recommendation of Doctor 
Edwards on file. You know enough of these matters to 
know that were Mr. Ingham ever so much disposed to 
make the appointment, he would not do it without having 
something on which to satisfy the Senate that it was called 
for by our friends in Illinois, but I regret to say that you 
have bitter enemies who have his ear. Duncan is his 
nearest neighbor, is always with his family, and constantly 

* Samuel D. Ingham was General Jackson's first secretary of the treasury, 
appointed March 6th, 1829. He was succeeded by Louis McLane of Dela- 
ware, August 8th, 1 83 1. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 45 I 

using all his ingenuity to impress a belief that you are 
hostile to him and the administration. Mr. Ingham says 
that the insinuation in your letter that lie had committed 
himself to us both is unfounded. He was much provoked, 
and defies any publication you may make. You will see 
that with all the prejudice against you, this attack upon 
him, so unexpected to me, is calculated to do great injury 
to your friends, and throw the patronage of the govern- 
ment into the hands of your enemies. He says that until 
that letter came he was your friend. He now considers 
you his enemy, and defies you to do your worst. He told 
me last night that he had seen two papers belonging to 
you, in which the President was abused, &c, referring to 
the Spectator and Shawneetown papers, / suppose, for he 
did not know the names. I told him that I did not believe 
you had exercised any control over those papers. He 
said he had been credibly informed that they belonged to 
you. I have written to Doctor Edwards, and will to-day 
write to Presley, and will do all that I can to delay the 
appointment until he can have time to write and send on 
his recommendations. It is due to me that these should 
be sent on if the appointment is not delayed, because, act- 
ing under the assurances of Doctor Edwards, I have 
pledged myself to the President that the recommendations 
would be sent on. 

West has told the President that Mr. McLean, of the 
Senate, is hostile to him, and the marriage of his brother 
to your niece is connected with his hostility as an evidence 
of your hostility. I can see and understand all these 
movements. All that you have to do is to be firm and 



45 2 THE EDWARDS PArERS. 

prudent. Do not permit yourself to be thrown into hos- 
tility to the President, and if you beat Duncan for Con- 
gress all will be right. In the meantime my eyes are 
open. I see all things that are going on around me, and 
will maintain my position with Congress and the people. 

Hunt writes to me that he will be on here this winter. 
Doctor Lane should get petitions for his removal from 
every part of the state and send them directly to the 
President, and should notify me of the time at which they 
are transmitted, and all will yet be well. 

Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 

I have the most flattering accounts from your son 
Albert. 

Gov. Edwards. Belleville. 111. 



LETTERS OF A. P. FIELD* 

Shawaneetown, Illinois, Nov. 8, 1829. 
Dear Gov.: — I received your letter at this place, and 
have barely time to say that things are going on better 
than you could even have supposed. We have had meet- 
ings in Union, Johnson, Pope, and intend having in this 
County; and I will assure you Kinney will not get one- 
third of the votes in those Counties. I have not seen the 
publication in the Kaskaskia paper, or I would reply to it 
immediately over my own signature. You may rest 

* Though the election for governor, in the contest between Reynolds and 
Kinney, was not to take place until August, 1830, it will be seen that the 
canvass between the two parties had been actively entered upon in the fall of 
1829. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 453 

assured that things are going on better in this quarter 

than ever. Reynolds is with us, and promises all you can 

desire in relation to your future movements. 

In truth, your friend, 

A. P. Field. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq'r, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

JONESBORQ, Nov. 26th, 1829.* 
Dear Gov. : — I expected to be at Vandalia before this, 
but I am and have been so unwell that it is impossible for 
me to be at Vandalia shortly. * * * 

* Brooks was not elected to the senate in August, 1830, but John Grammar 
was. Priestly and Whittaker were elected to the house of representatives, as 
Field predicted. Johnson, Union, and Alexander counties then formed a 
legislative district, entitled to one senator and two representatives. Judge 
Gillespie calls John Grammar of Union County the "celebrated constitutional 
expounder,", and gives a speech of his in the legislature, questioning the 
validity of the title of slaves in Illinois. In a debate arising on that subject, 
the Judge says that "the old gentleman instantly arose, and remarked 'that 
fittener men' than he was 'mout hev been found to defend the masters agin 
the sneakin' ways of the infdrnal abolitioners; but havin' rights on my side, I 
do n't fear, Sir. I will show that that are proposition is unconstitutionable, 
inlegal, and fornenst the compact. Do n't everyone know, or leastwise had 
ought to know, that the Congress that sot at Post Vinsan garnisheed to the 
old French inhabitants the right to their niggers, and hain't I got as much 
rights as any Frenchman in this State? Answer me that, Sir?'" * 

John Grammar was a very early settler of Southern Illinois and was a mem- 
ber of the territorial council from Johnson County in 1816-17, and also in 
181 7-1 8. He afterward removed to Union County, and was elected to the 
State senate in 1822, and was a vehement advocate for the passage of the 
convention resolution, to the end that Illinois might become a slave - state. 
He was re-elected to the senate from Union and Alexander counties in 1824; 
also again elected senator from Union, Johnson, and Alexander counties in 
1830. This seems to have been the end of his legislative service. He was a 

* "Sketch of Edward Coles," by E. B. Washburne. 

t In the earlier times the southern part of Illinois was known as "Egypt". The old whigs 
used to say that the name was given on account of the political darkness which reigned there 
— all that part of the State being intensely democratic. 



454 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

Be assured that all things are going on here well. 

Brooks will be elected to the Senate and Whitaker and 

Priestly to the H. Rep.; all your particular friends. It 

would be well, however, for you to write to them. You 

will see from the last Louisville paper that I have induced 

Penn to change his ground. I gave him a full history of 

matters here. Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq'r, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, Dec. i, 1829. 

DEAR- SIR: — You will have seen that your letter of the 
4th ult. was duly received. I have been hitherto prevented 
from answering it. 

I perceive that the governor's election is beginning to 
excite great interest below; but there is not much said 
about it here. There is no doubt of Jones supporting 
Kinney. He has not published the proceedings of any of 
the meetings nominating Reynolds. It is understood that 
Col. Wight was sent here for the purpose of operating for 
K. It is supposed that if Duncan's bill succeeds this 

type of the early Egyptian politician, + and more intensely pro-slavery in his 
feelings than almost any man who could be found in a slave-state. But there 
is one thing which should be said to the honor of the old Egyptian politicians, 
while many of them were ignoi-ant, illiterate, and full of prejudice, they were 
inflexibly honest, and from their standpoint served the State faithfully and 
honestly. If John Grammar hated the "abolitioners", it may be safely said 
that he was never in any legislative rings, and that his hands were never 
stained with bribes. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 455 

winter, relative to the superintendency of the Mines, that 
Wight will be appointed superintendent and Campbell the 
receiver. I have no objection to Maj. Campbell, but if 
you could defeat Wight, it might be of service to the 
State to do so. I am told that Col. Field came out yes- 
terday decidedly in favor of Reynolds, and it is thought 
by some that Jones will take the same course, as he has 
heretofore been swayed by F.; but I believe that J. is 
pledged to Kinney, as well on account of his. brother as 
the consideration of the public printing. I have had no 
conversation with Judge Young since last summer, but I 
intend to have soon, and know his views relative of the 
course we ought to take. 

It seems to me that Van Buren's and Kinney's arrange- 
ments must be broken in upon this winter. Will Calhoun 
and Ingham, as your friends, submit to them? Every 
removal and appointment in this State appears to have 
been intended to mortify you. All the friends of the late 
administration, who were inimical to you, excepting M'Kee, 
have been removed. I can not believe that you will kiss 
the rod without a prospect of righting yourself by it. 

Respecting your inquiry relative to the course of our 
paper, you can have no doubt as to myself. Dr. Newhall 
is in favor of R. in preference to K., but he is unwilling to 
come out on the subject at present. I have urged him 
this morning of its propriety, so much at least as to 
declare ourselves. Whether it will be done in the next 
paper is uncertain. Dr. Philleo, I am inclined to think, 
will be willing to go against K. if Jones gets the printing. 



456 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

From a conversation with Mr. Ford* a short time since, 
I inferred that he would go over to K. We had influence 
enough to back him out as a candidate for justice of the 
peace, though he had a fair prospect when first announced. 
This was for the part he took against us, and in favor of 
Jones. J. W. Stephenson is announced as a candidate for 
the Legislature, and I apprehend the same fate awaits 
him. It is said here that he has gone below for the pur- 
pose of getting the Receiver's office at Edwardsville, and 
that he has the benefit of Col. Wight's influence for that 
purpose. 

As I have intimated to you before, our paper, consider- 
ing the times, is doing very well. We have nearly 400 
subscribers, nearly 30 of which are in St. Louis; and 
though we have scarcely any jobs and but little adver- 
tising, we have nearly all that is doing. I have been for 
some time trying to have the books posted, to see how we 
stand individually, as well as the whole amount expended 
and received; and it is promised to be done by the first 
of next month. It is my earnest wish to leave the estab- 
lishment in the spring. But I would be willing to serve 
my friends by continuing in it till after the election, if it 
should be necessary, provided I could live through it. I 
am in purgatory now, and since I have been here. I am. 
also willing to be governed for the best good of the estab- 
lishment, in order to effect a sale. If business revives in 
the spring, as I think it will, new adventurers will arrive, 

* Thomas Ford, elected governor of the State in 1842. Few people of the 
State at this late day know that he was "backed out" as candidate for justice- 
of peace in Galena in 1829. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 457 

and some of them might be inclined to embark in the 
business, who have capital sufficient to purchase and carry 
it on. It would, however, be but justice to give N. & P. 
a fair chance, should they wish to retain it. N. talks of 
dissolving partnership with P. in the practice of medicine. 
How this w r ould affect the arrangements of the paper, I 
am unable to say. * * I believe Dr. N. would do better 
if alone. I have no fault to find with them. They are both 
obliging in their dispositions. My family is still boarding 
with Dr. P. I shall make an effort to commence house- 
keeping before spring, especially if I find I am to stay 
here during the summer. We have a daughter two 
lonths old. 

I do not think it will be necessary to give you up as 
:he author of the letter from Edwardsville, if required, as 
verbal accounts of the same import were both before and 
;ince received. Yours truly, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Letter of George Forquer; shows the spirit of the contest for gov- 
ernor between Reynolds and Kinney; Forquer, a great Rey- 
nolds man; indignant at the treatment he has received; "I 

will take care of my family, and politics may go to "; 

many members of his party are troublesome and dead weights; 
"a cent-per-cent set"; believes one passion rules General 
Jackson, namely vengeance; a mere executioner in the hands 
of a set of Jacobins; General Jackson against Gov. Edwards 
and his friends; Kinney and company want to mix up Gov- 
ernor Edwards in the gubernatorial fight; his party reminds 
him of a game-cock that had been whipped; nothing but a 
fighting front by the whole party can do any good; "let all 
fight or none, all write or none, all talk or none"; letter of 
John Reynolds; illustrates the spirit of the canvass then pro- 
gressing between Kinney and himself; will labor hard to pay 
his debt of gratitude to his country and his friends ; will change 
some of the expressions of Alfred Cowles more into his own 
"lingo"; letter of Edmund Roberts; an early suggestion of 
"making a harbor at Chicago"; three vessels arrived at Chi- 
cago ; number of wagons had come from the head of the 
Wabash for salt, etc. ; and also from the settlement on the 
rapids of Illinois; letters of Hooper "Warren; Mr. Canal wants 
to be informed of the author of a letter published in the " Galena 
Advertiser"; advises Governor Edwards to write nothing anony- 
mously; Kane has been caught in that way; nothing said yet 
in his paper about the governor's election; next number of the 
paper comes out for Reynolds; difference between Dr. Newhall 
and Dr. Philleo, the proprietors of the paper, upon this subject; 
the mercantile interest of the place opposed to the administra- 
tion, and will go in a body for Reynolds; the West case; 
Colonel Wight, T. W. Smith, and Captain Henry; Kinney 
heartily opposed to the Canal; Ford not against Reynolds; 
letter of Sidney Breese; recommends an appointment to office. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 459 

LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER.* 

Springfield, December i, 1829. 
Dear Sir: — Yours has been received. All that you 
say is true, and I have seen it but too long. I have been 
sacrificed upon the altar of party meanness. Had I been 
generally supported and backed by such as should have 
done it, I might have been servicable to the country; but 
I was not. I sustained the expense of a. party contest, and 
am made poor by it. Now why should I fight for any 
party when no party will fight for me, but on the contrary, 
when all the aspirants in both parties are against me, and 
would at any time coalesce to keep me down? Shall I 
fight for Lockwood, Wilson, Field, Caverly, Pugh, &c, not 
one of whom has even the germs of a statesman or poli- 
tician in him, although each thinks he has a right to be 
advanced before me? Shall I open my veins for no higher 
purpose than that such men may be benefited by my 
blood, and my family thrown upon the world vagrants, 
objects of even their contempt? No, by heavens! God 
never made me for such an ignoble use. But I will fight, 
write, and talk, at any place or time and in any manner 
the enemy chooses, if others will do likewise; but if they 
will not, I will take care of my family and politics may 

go to . This I can do independent of office. The 

truth is, our party is not composed of the stuff. We 
boast more talents than our enemies, but what sort of 

* This letter shows the spirit of the contest between Reynolds and Kinney 
for governor, to be elected in August, 1830. Forquer was a great Reynolds 
man as against Kinney, and he probably felt much better when he found his 
favorite candidate elected. 



460 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

talents are they, all so far below mediocrity (except Breese 
and Lockwood and a few others, who are good lawyers) 
that they can not distinguish between their equals and 
superiors, and therefore are troublesome and dead weights. 
Mere clogs, and in money matters all are mean, every one 
has a poor mouth to make. A cent pr. cent set. Whilst 
the others advance the last dollar and then borrow, for 
the good of the party. The contrast between them and 
us was proved here the other day. When I called upon 
our friends here, who are rich, to help me take their 
printer from them, "hard times" rung like a funeral dirge 
when we took the last long look at the enormous sum of 
$185 departing from our pockets. But when McRoberts 
came here the other day with suspicions against their 
printer, they offered him in cash down if he would enter 
into written obligations, as follows: Gen'l Adams, $50; 
May, $50; Carpenter, $50; Taylor, $50; Herndon, $50; 
McRoberts, $50 = $300, and agreed to bind themselves 
in writing that Kane should give $100; Kinney, $100; 
and Casey, $50; and, moreover, to furnish all ink and 
paper for 500 subscribers for one year, and the printer to 
have and own the establishment and all its proceeds, with- 
out one cent ever being refunded. There then was an 
offer to pay the printer at least $1500 for one year's work 
in their service. Can we compete with such men? No, 
sir, they will beat our cent pr. cent set to death. 

As to what w T e ought and might do with Gen'l Jackson, 
concerning his appointments, I am an infidel. I believe 
but one passion rules him, viz.: vengeance, such as has 
always marked the lives of sanguine warriors of the 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 46 1 

forest. As to him, he is a mere executioner in the 
hands of a set of Jacobins, and he knows not, nor cares 
not, upon whom and when they order him to inflict the 
blow. Where are Green, Semple, McLean, and others 
who know all the facts necessary to enlighten him as to 
the character of West and others? Where is the letter 
you wrote to him at his request? McLean has been fur- 
nished with record evidence of McRoberts' conduct from 
the tax list. I have written to McLean a cool, argumen- 
tative letter, but I doubt even his action. With the above 
means of information, if Gen'l Jackson intended to do 
any thing against Kinney and against dishonest men, he 
would not have appointed West. It is but too plain that 
he is against you and friends, and so are Green and 
Ingham. I therefore have no hopes of doing anything 
with him until we can get the State Government and the 
delegation in Congress on our side. 

I perceive that Kinney & Co. do not mean to let the 
contest continue between Reynolds and Kinney, but 
intend to make it one between you and them. By this 
course they expect to call into action all the Jackson 
feeling, as well as all outstanding prejudices against you, 
on their side. They think they will then have in their 
scales all the Jackson fever, inflamed and set in a blaze 
by the hatred to you. 

I intend to see at the Supreme Court, if our friends 
should be there from the different parts of the State, how 
far they are willing to aid and how, and if they will not 
agree to do something as they should, never to open my 
mouth on politics in the State, but to retire to my family 



4^2 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

and my library, and abandon all participation in the party 
contests of the State, perhaps for life. 

I can see as plain as any one that I am to be counted 
out for a long time yet, to make way for such as can never 
do much for themselves, friends, or country; nevertheless 
I am willing to act the part of patriot, agree to be immo- 
lated myself, and assist to bring honest men in fashion. 
This is in great haste submitted to your confidence. 

Yours sincerely, 

George Forquer. 

P. S. — Our party reminds me of a game cock that had 
been whipt, but is still unwilling to leave the battle- 
ground, and won't fight, but with flopped wings keeps 
running round his crowing conqueror, whose stately gait 
and bold front procures for him the admiration of all the 
crowd. 

It would be suicidal and Quixotic in you or myself to 
volunteer ourselves upon a forlorn hope, when we know 
so well that our party, the pass being opened by our 
destruction, would not even then advance with the forces 
in the rear. I have once tried the experiment, and am 
yet not afraid to fight in any way, both morally and physi- 
cally, and those who have tried me know it; but I will do 
neither with the little fellows. I will not fight the body 
guards. But before I do either, the end must be worthy 
of the service, and there must be some well-grounded 
hope that thereby it can be attained. But again I say I 
have already sacrificed my political life, and I will now save 
my natural one for the benefit of my family, unless I can 
see the men, by my adherence to whom I sacrificed mine, 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 463 

ready to make like sacrifices. I believe that nothing short 
of a fighting front by the whole party can do any good; 
let those then who have been best fed by the party, one 
and all, set the example, and victory is ours; otherwise 
universal prostration is as certain. Let all fight or none, 
all write or none, all talk or none. Pit any one man 
against them and victory is theirs. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 

Favored by Capt. Thompson. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS* 

. Cold Prairie, ist Dec, 1829. 

DEAR Sir: — I have been at home about two weeks 
from the South. I had not time when in Belleville to 
converse with you. In the South we have nothing to 
fear. I am certain there will be no great opposition in 
that country. I feel under the greatest obligations to 
friends in that region. And let me say, once for all, 
that I will labor hard to pay my debt of gratitude to 
my country and my friends. They shall not complain of 
me not acting for their good and the good of the coun- 
try. No place or office on earth would I change for the 
good-will of my friends. 

I ree'd from Mr. Cowles the ivriting, which I know to 
be most excellent. I am under obligations for it. I tho't 
it advisable to change some of the expressions more into 

* This letter illustrates the spirit of the canvass which was then progressing 
between Reynolds and Kinney. 



464 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

my lingo. The reasoning on the subject of the public 

lands is demonstration itself, and shall go out verbatim. 

No man of any ordinary capacity can resist the argument. 

The notion in relation to the miners is new, and will 

destroy the little attempts of our opponent to reduce the 

rents. I have not concluded, if the cross canal is not a 

little too digging. Altho' the reasoning is correct about 

healing, yet I deemed it advisable, owing to the state of 

society, to palliate it a little. The same may be said 

about the evil measures heretofore adopted. I touched a 

little lighter than the original. I know not how many of 

these handbills ought to go out. I was thinking of 1000. 

If you can not go to Vandalia, please inform Mr. Cowles 

of your notions on this subject. I would like soon to 

see whom we ought to elect to the Legislature. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 
Governor N. EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF EDMUND ROBERTS.* 

Kaskaskia, Dec. 4, 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — As I was deprived of the pleasure of call- 
ing on you, as I returned from my late tour on the canal 
expedition, I embrace the present opportunity, by Col. 

* Herein is an early suggestion as to "making a harbor at Chicago." Three 
vessels had arrived at Chicago during the writer's short visit there, and a num- 
ber of wagons had come from the head of the Wabash for salt, etc., and also 
from the settlements on the rapids of the Illinois. This Mr. Roberts was one 
of the canal commissioners at the time. 



LETTER OF EDMUND ROBERTS. 465 

Mather, of informing you of our progress. The engineers 
commenced their examinations the 20th of Oct. You 
have probably heard that six skilful" engineers are engaged 
— Doctor Howard and five assistants. They have ascer- 
tained that the summit height is 12 feet above the lake, 
and the lake is to be the first feeder, as there is not a 
sufficient quantity of water in the Laplain. One company 
is at work on the eastern end and one on the western. If 
the weather continues favorable, I expect they will com- 
plete their work by the 20th of this month, and our sur- 
veyor will, in a few days after, finish the necessary surveys 
to enable the commissioners to make the selection of the 
lands. From the examination which I have made of the 
lands, I am of opinion that we shall realize a handsome 
sum from the first sales, but this, however, is uncertain. I 
have written to Mr. Dunn, requesting him to go up and 
examine the route. Doct. Jayne will remain until the 
surveys are completed, when the commissioners will meet 
at this place, in order to make a list of the lands selected 
and determine on the time and place of sale, &c. It 
would be gratifying to me for you to meet with us in the 
mean time. I hope to hear from you on the subject; your 
views, &c. Would it not be desirable that our represen- 
tatives and senators should endeavor to procure a sum 
sufficient to make a harbor at Chicago at the present 
session? Such an appropriation at this time would have 
a happy effect in the sale of our lands, and a harbor is 
much needed. Three vessels arrived during my short 
stay at Chicago. The country is settling rapidly. A 
number of wagons came from the head-waters of the 
30 



466 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Wabash, for salt, &c, as also from the settlements on the 
rapids of Illinois. I will refer you to Col. Mather (vvha 
I expect will hand you this) for particulars. 

I am, dear sir, respectfully your 

obedient servant, 

Edmund Roberts. 
His Exc'y Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois, Vandalia. 



LETTERS OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, Dec. 8, 1829. 

Dear Sir: — A letter was received yesterday from Mr. 
J. B. C. Canal, requesting to be informed of the author of 
the letter, an extract from which was published in the 
Advertiser of the 16th ult. I have answered him that as 
the extract was from a private letter to me, the writer of 
which did not authorize its publication, I was not at liberty 
to give him his name; that the responsibility of the publi- 
cation rested solely upon me, &c. Col. Wight, also 
received a letter at the same time from Mr. C, requesting 
him to procure the author, called on us this morning; from 
whom we learn that Mr. Canal suspects Judge Smith. 
My answer will dissipate that suspicion, as it will not be 
presumed that the Judge has any friendly intercourse with 
me. Mr. Canal charges that the whole extract are "mis- 
representations". I have offered him the privilege of 
correcting them in the Advr. The same has been made 
to Col. Wight. 

I would advise you not to write anything anonymously 



LETTER OF HOOPERS WARREN. 467 

which would require your name to be given up. Our 
opponents can and do make more out of such things than 
anything else. I see you have caught Kane in that way, 
which is a lucky circumstance. 

We have not said anything yet on the Governor's elec- 
tion. Dr. N. is opposed to it at this time, because he 
thinks that Dr. P. will fly off and leave us in the lurch. 
He bought 32 reams of paper of Tillson and Holmes 
when he went below, on a credit, as he says, of 60 days, 
and has charged the firm with the amount. The bill is 
not paid, nor has it been sent up. Dr. N. and myself are 
much perplexed about it. If we were sure the firm are 
not responsible for it, we might do as we please, but to fall 
out with P. at this time might involve us in difficulty. I 
apprehend the present rage of the question below will 
subside during the winter, to be commenced again in the 
spring. I think it is not necessary to the good of the 
cause that we should begin now. I have had a short 
conversation with Judge Young since my last. I was 
surprised at the information he gave me of the falling off 
of some of Reynolds' friends, Taylor, W. B. Green, the 
Mitchells, &c; but Judge Young thinks R. has the best 

chance. 

In haste, your ob't serv't, 

H. Warren. 
His Ex. Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

Galena, Dec. 16, 1829. 
DEAR Sir: — You will see by our last paper that we 
have "come out" on the Gubernatorial election. This is 



468 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the result of a conversation I had last week with Dr. 
Philleo, in which I told him that he could without any 
sacrifice of principle go with us on that subject, and 
demonstrated that it was our interest to take that course, 
not only on account of the character of our subscription 
list, but the almost certainty of Jones taking an opposite 
direction — all which he admitted, and observed that where 
principle was the same, one was at liberty to go for interest. 
He stipulated that the paper should be free for discussion 
on both sides; to which I replied that that was a matter 
of course — that I had never published a paper on any 
other principle. I really thought he was going heart and 
hand with us; but I was mistaken. After he had seen 
the editorial article in the last paper, he wrote a piece 
as a communication embodying all the slang that has 
appeared in the Vandalia paper against Reynolds, the 
Fields, and yourself, and supplied much more from his 
imagination. I had no objection to publish it, as the 
allegations are so notoriously false that it would do our 
cause more good than hurt; but Dr. Nevvhall would not 
consent that it should be published till next week, and 
was opposed to Dr. P. having the privilege to write on 
that side in the same paper, after having seen an article 
to be published on our side. Dr. P.'s production will 
appear on the first page of next Monday's paper, and 
answered editorially. 

After we determined to open the subject of the election, 
I called on Judge Young and requested him to introduce 
it in a communication; but after deliberation he concluded 
it would not be prudent for him to take that course at 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 469 

present. He however furnished the substance of the 
remarks which you see. 

I understand that letters have been dispatched from 
this place, stating that Kinney would have an overwhelm- 
ing majority here. This is not the case. The great mer- 
cantile influence, which I have heretofore informed you 
was opposed to the administration, will go in a body for 
Reynolds. This influence is personally opposed to Col. 
Field, and as the latter is supposed to control the Irish 
votes, the present appearance is that all the local parties 
will unite on Reynolds. 

What we shall do with Philleo I do not know. I do 
not like the idea of having an enemy in the camp. 

I hope to receive from you by next mail the true state 
of West's case. It is now against us, as it appears in the 
last Vandalia paper. Col. Wight admitted to me, while 
speaking of a statement he had received from Canal, that 
West had taken $1900 to deposit, not in Louisville, but in 
the U. S. Treasury at Washington. It would appear that 
the alarm reached West at Louisville, and that he man- 
aged to raise funds to make the deposit there. Col. Wight 
informed me that T. W. Smith advised W 7 . to take the 
course he did. That S. wanted W. to recommend him 
for the Receiver's office in Edwardsville; that W. declin- 
ing to do so was the occasion of their falling out. As 
this may be news to you, I have thought it worth while 
to mention it. Capt. Henry arrived here last evening 
from Springfield. He gives good account of our pros- 
pects in Sangamo, &c. He informs that Meredith has 
published the first number of a paper at that place, 



470 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

though it has not arrived here; that, contrary to the 
expectation of Kinney's friends, it would go for R. 

Your son-in-law, Mr. Lane, arrived here last night in 
the stage. I have had no opportunity to converse with 
him. Being too late with this letter for the mail, I write 
it to send by him. Yours truly, 

H. Warren. • 

I see that Hall, in the last Intelligencer, has attacked 
the proceedings of the canal commissioners, though I 
have but just read a few lines of the article. That Kinney 
is as heartily opposed to the canal now as he ever was, I 
have no doubt, and I think it may be brought to bear 
against him with good effect. 

Mr. Ford is not going against us, as I have heretofore 
intimated to you it was probable he would. He has 
written nothing for Jones' paper for several weeks, and 
it is said they have dissolved their connexion. 

It would seem from a paragraph in your letter to Mr. 
Dickens that you would probably call an extra session. 
But from Hall's accounts of the funds it appears there is 
no need of it. I should like it extremely well to have 
one called, -as then, probably, the county at Chicago would 
be organized. I have the best opinion of that place. It 
does not in my view want a canal to make it, but only to 
put the land into market, and it will settle with greater 
rapidity than any other town in the State. But if you 
should, as you have intimated to me, move yourself to 
Warren County, it would be a great inducement for me to 
go there too. H. W. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 47 1 

LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

Kaskaskia, Dec. 24, 1829. 
Governor EDWARDS, 

Dear Sir: — The probability is that Mr. Hotchkiss will 
be appointed Postmaster at this place, vice Simonton, re- 
signed, and that he will accept. Former governors of this 
State, Bond and Coles, have always acted on the principle, 
which I believe to be correct, that the acceptance of such 
an office under the U. States vacates a State app't. 
Should you coincide in opinion, the office of Recorder, 
now held by Hotchkiss, will be vacant; and I respectfully 
name to you. Mr. Lewis Morrison of this place as a person 
well qualified to fill the office, and whose app't will satisfy 
your friends. I will write again, if H. is app't. P. M. I 
have no news. The Canal Com'rs have taken some steps 
toward the great work. Dr. Jayne is just starting, and I 
have only time to say, after wishing you the compliments 
of the season, that I am your friend and s'v't, 

Sidney Breese. 

Governor N. Edwards, 

Belleville. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to George Graham, commissioner of 
general land-office; writes in regard to the selection of lands; 
the letter a model of perspicuity ; the governor thoroughly 
understands the interests of the State ; letter of Hooper War- 
ren ; lively times in Galena during the winter ; thanks God 
that the winter is almost over; "balls, parties, gambling, and 
frolicking"; letter of Sidney Breese ; desires information concern- 
ing selection of lands by the canal commissioners ; letter of 
George Forquer ; interesting inside view of men and things 
in Illinois at that time ; has misgivings in regard to John 
McLean; about the approaching congressional election; McLean 
owes nothing to any party in Illinois; William L. May well 
satisfied with McLean; Kane will be hard to beat; it is said 
Morgan and upper counties will give Reynolds a majority for 
governor ; Reynolds too timid, while his enemies are daring, 
defiant, and manly ; Reynolds dreads the manly tone of the 
paper at Springfield that supports him ; prefers that it should 
assume an armed neutrality ; neither Reynolds nor Wilson 
have the germs of a statesman in them; Kane has talents and 
does his best for his friends. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
GEORGE GRAHAM. 

Belleville, III., 29 Jan., 1830. 

Sir: — Your letter of the 12th inst. notifying me of the 

President's rejection of my last selection of seven sections 

of land for the use of a seminary of learning in this state, 

and that he does not deem it expedient to select for that. 



LETTER OE NINIAN EDWARDS. 473 

purpose any lands within the limits of five miles on each 
side of the canal, has just been received.* 

I am very sorry for this decision, because with such an 
extensive exclusion of land on each side of the canal, it is 
certain that no satisfactory location of the sections in ques- 
tion can be made in that quarter of the state, and at 
present I do not know where else they can be made. It 
would have been no difficult matter, a few years ago, to 
have made selections in the counties of Sangamon, Greene, 
Morgan, and Tazewell vastly more valuable than those 
which the President has rejected ever will be, but such has 
been the flood of emigration to those counties, so extensive 
their prairies, and so great the demand for wood land that 
good whole sections are hardly to be found unappropriated 
within any one of them. It is unfortunate that the whole 
thirty-six sections granted by Congress had not been 
located in some one of these counties, but it was supposed 
that the land near the contemplated canal might eventu- 
ally be more valuable, and the seven sections in question, 
with three others, were reserved to be located in qr.-sect's,. 
no doubt being entertained that the object to which they 
are to be exclusively appropriated would ensure the Presi- 
dent's favorable consideration of any selection that might 
be presented to him. But for the canal the lands within 
its vicinity would be amongst the least valuable within the 

* This is an official letter, addressed to Mr. Graham as commissioner of the 
general land-office. Like all the official correspondence of Governor Edwards, 
it is a model of perspicuity, and evincing a perfect knowledge of the subject 
upon which he was writing. No governor ever had a more thorough under- 
standing of all the interests of the State than Governor Edwards, and no man 
could ever put his opinions and views in a better shape. 



474 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

State, and I fearlessly hazard the opinion that even the 
most desirable parts of them will shortly be proved to have 
been vastly overrated by the best of all tests — a public 
sale. There is not, I am convinced, more than one of those 
sections which I selected that would command more than 
$1.25 per acre. As to water power and coal, they are both 
so abundant and extensive in that part of the State as to 
furnish but little inducement to locations on account of 
either. They had no influence with me in the selections I 
made. Wood and dry land, in a country that is so scarce 
of them both, are far more desirable. 

I duly appreciate the considerations on which I presume 
the President has acted, though I am confident he has 
greatly overrated the value of the lands he has rejected. 
If I might be permitted to suggest a measure which would 
free him from all difficulty, and enable him to give entire 
satisfaction to the State, I would recommend the imme- 
diate surveying of a narrow tract of land bounding on the 
Illinois river in the county of Morgan, in the heart of our 
most populous settlements, which has remained to this day 
unsurveyed, and of course has not been disposed of, and 
the location of the sections in question on this tract of 
land. Though the expectation of the State, long cherished 
and acted upon, of having them located on or near to the 
canal would be disappointed, still the State would sustain 
no injury by it, and would most probably be eventually as 
well satisfied with the selection I propose. 

It would afford me great pleasure to fulfil the Presi- 
dent's wishes, and I should disregard all personal trouble 
and inconvenience in trying to do so, but if selections can 






LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 475 

riot be made that will be satisfactory to the State I would 
rather not encounter the responsibility of making them. 
I have the honor to be, 

veiy respectfully, Sir, yo. mo. ob't se't, 

Ninian Edwards. 
Geo. Graham, 

Com's'r Gen'l Land Office. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN* 

Galena, Feb. 20th, 1830. 
I avail myself of Judge Young's trip below, to write to 
you. This establishment, as you will see, is yet agoing; 
but how long it will continue, is more than I can guess. 
If you had your own, I would soon put an end to my 
agency in it. Thank God, the winter is almost over; and 
I hope it is the last I shall ever spend in Galena, unless 
I am better prepared. Since the commencement of cold 
weather there has been nothing here but balls, parties, 
gambling, and frolicking. Men who can not pay a cent 
of their just debts, find no difficulty in spending $20 or 
$30 a week in these amusements. These parties are 
general in this place, the exceptions but very few. I am 
sorry to say that my partners come in for a large share of 
this description. 

* This letter confirms the general idea of the lively times they had in Galena 
during the winters — almost entirely shut out, as it was, from the rest of the 
world. From the close of navigation in the fall to the opening thereof in the 
spring, the people of Galena at that time were almost entirely isolated, and 
their business was practically at a stand-still. From the description of Mr. 
Warren, however, it is evidenced that they did not intend to die of ennui. 



476 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

It seems that neither of the printers in this place are 
to have the printing of the laws of Congress, the three 
lower printers having rec'd the appointment. We had the 
benefit of Mr. Caleb Atwater's intercession in our behalf. 
In a letter received by last mail, he informs us of his exer- 
tions in our favor, that he ventured to contradict a report 
with wJiicJi he was met, that Gov. Edwards was the owner 
of the press here. He further ventured to say, that we 
preferred Van Buren to Calhoun for next President, but 
all to no effect. By this you will see which way the wind 
sets. 

Tillson & Holmes' bill for paper $152, which I have 
before mentioned to you, was sent to Wm. Hempstead 
& Co. of this place for collection, some time since, but 
is not paid. I understand it is against the firm, not- 
withstanding Dr. P. has charged us with it, as purchased 
and paid for by himself. We have only paper to last 
through the month of March. A merchant has engaged 
to bring us 20 reams from Cincinnati, but we shall have 
to pay for it before we use it. 

I did not in the suggestion I made to you, some time 

ago, wish you not to write for the paper, &c, but that 

you would write in such a manner as not to make it 

necessary to give up your name. I should be very sorry 

in any contest I might be engaged, not to have the benefit 

of your pen. Yours truly, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 477 

LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

Kaskaskia, Feb. 23d, 1830. 
Governor N. Edwards. Dear Sir: — As Mr. Roberts, 
one of the Canal Commissioners, is on the eve of starting 
to N. Orleans, he has desired me to request some informa- 
tion of you, previous to starting, in relation to the selection 
of the lands by the Canal Com'rs. He wishes to know, if 
the selection has been approved by the Com. of the Gen'l 
L. office, or not. It must be, before the land can be sold. 
Have you rec'd anything from the Department on the 
subject? Mr. R. desires earnestly a line from you by 
return mail. With great respect, 

Your ob't ser't, 

Sidney Breese. 
Governor N. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FOROUER* 

SPRINGFIELD, i 8th March, 1830. 
Dear Sir: — I received your letter informing me of the 
appointment of my brother, for which evidence of your 
friendship for him and me accept my most sincere and 
grateful thanks. I wrote to him by the same mail and 
expressed your wish that if he accepted one, to resign the 
other appointment. My own opinion is that he will not 
accept. I infer this from a remark in one of his letters to 
me some time since, in which he expresses the opinion 

* This letter of Mr. Forquer gives an interesting inside view of men and 
things in the State at the time in which it was written. 



4/8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

that it was well for him that he had not been appointed. 
It is said that his practice is very good, at least, that he 
does a great deal of business. I have for some time 
believed, that Kane, McLean, and Duncan were deter- 
mined that he should not be benefited by his appoint- 
ment. I hope he will resign one and refuse the other. 
From what I can learn, if he would agree to it, I believe 
he could come to the Legislature, but I shall not advise 
it for fear it might interfere too much with his money- 
making views, in the way of his practice. 

The resignation of Thomas, the letter of Young, and 
the application and recommendations of J. B. Thomas by 
certain persons in preferrence to Ford surpris.es me not 
a little, that is, if the persons who were for J. B. Thomas, 
Cowlcs and others, saw that you preferred Ford, and 
believed that Ford desired it. It surprises me because 
J. B. Thomas is but of yesterday in the State, and never 
rendered by himself or friends either the State or party 
any service. He has, unless his marriage has saved him, 
been inclined to be against us. It surprises me because 
the apparent friendly feeling which some of those persons 
have expressed for Ford and myself, and the evidences 
wJiicli iv e have given most of them that zve would under 
like circumstance have preferred them to a mere stranger! 
It surprises me because Wm. Thomas was here a short 
time since and never mentioned his intention to resign, 
and yet how Young at the mines and J. B. Thomas 
became acquainted with his intention in time to apply 
to you, I know not. It seems to me that your preference 
for Ford was expected, and intended to be defeated by 



LETTER OF GEORGE FQRQUER. 479 

weighting you down with recommendations got up before 
Ford or his friends could know that a vacancy was to 
take place. I may be wrong. I hope I am. If I am 
not, it puzzles me to know why Ford or myself should 
feel any interest for the success of one party in Illinois 
more than an other. I have seen, I think, but too many 
signs that our own party in general, the politicians I 
mean, are inclined to overlook, or be against Ford and 
myself, except when by our daring we can serve them. I 
have seen the fostering hand of our political friends, 
pointing over us to others, even in a professional point 
of view, and not always to our superiors either. We 
have frequently observed these things, and remarked upon 
our peculiar relation to men and parties in this State. 
Our party upon the altar of which we have bled and 
smoked from our boyhood, might.be called the eastern 
party, although we are ourselves children of the western 
forest. Yet the eastern influence is against us both politi- 
cally and professionally, whenever they can be so without 
supporting a violent enemy of our eastern party. This 
leaves us then without any patronage or support from our 
ozvn party, with all the opposition of the western party 
both professionally and politically to encounter. The 
head men of our eastern party who can patronize by their 
recommendation a lawyer, or whose standing gives them 
some political influence, have so many, between their 
affections for Ford or myself, that the entire withdrawal 
of their mutual friendship could do us no harm. On the 
contrary, it would perhaps relieve us from the active 
opposition both professionally and politically, which we 



480 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

suffer on account of our actual support of that party. 
Our western people have always chided Ford and myself 
for our unnatural alliance with the eastern party and we 
have not unfrequently been told that they had too many 
of their own folks ever to be for us. It may be said that 
I am wrong, and that eastern men are not in possession 
of the offices in the State. To this I answer that they 
have enough of them to enable their head men, by the 
aid of their western connexions to control the party and 
direct its force in favor of themselves, their folks and a 
few western persons whose connexions are more ramified 
and imposing than ours, and that therefore Ford and 
myself are not such objects as will ever be likely to enlist 
the fostering care of the leaders of the party either 
professionally or politically, but on the contrary are just 
such characters as they will always overlook, except when 
they slyly wish to fortify against us. Having long known 
that such was the relation which we bore to the party, as 
such, it might seem surprising, in these days of selfish 
providence that we had not long since done like others, 
gone where we would have been considered an acquisition, 
and where we would have been bolstered up, and fostered 
both professionally and politically. We have however the 
pleasure to know, that we have been governed by princi- 
ples of honesty in our course, and although we are thus 
indifferently treated by a party upon whose altar we have 
been sacrificed, we have never suffered that unkindness, 
to drive us from the honest convictions of our judgment. 
This we have done when a slight inclination from our 
political course would have rendered us objects who would 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 48 1 

have been both feared and courted by those whose forget- 
fulness hurts us worse than all we have lost by our 
attachment to them. With politics I think I am done, 
and I hope my brother will not meddle with them. At 
all events if we do embark again upon the political sea, I 
shall ask for leave to amend the papers, and commence 
de novo. This is yet a new country and other persons than 
those now in it, are to exalt or keep down the aspiring, 
and those persons are, not in my time, to come from the 
east. If I should therefore ever find myself in a situation 
which would authorize me to follow the natural dictate of 
my passions, to embark myself upon the popular current, 
I will appeal to the fountain head, and start de novo. I 
think I shall resign next winter, unless the party should 
turn me out, which if / determine to resign I should prefer. 
I should then be before the people of the county and 
State, naked and unincumbered by any obligations. I am 
willing to stand back and assist my friends for nothing, 
but I will not consent to be overlooked and tmthought of. 
This is a degree of insignificance that I shall never sub- 
mit to, so long as I have energy and mind enough to 
prevent it; and if anything drives me into politics earlier 
than I now intend, it will be the too ready disposition 
manifested by certain friends, to forget my brother and 
myself in their plans. 

I have mentioned McLean's name above. You may 
recollect that I always had my misgivings as to him. So 
far from having changed in this respect, I have no doubt 
they were well founded. I then judged by the unerring 
rules by which a practicable man judges of human nature. 
31 



482 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I am now satisfied that I was right. He is against yoic 
and I especially. He is a weak man, and our enemies 
understand his weak place. They avail themselves of his 
vanity as to you, of your superiority over him, and dis- 
parage me in his estimation, by calling me your tool, and 
again appeal to his vanity, by representing you as dis- 
honest and me as your dupe, and then force from him 
expressions disrespectful of both, which once uttered by 
him, he is never allowed to forget them. Were I in 
Kane's place I would desire no easier task than to controL 
McLean by playing upon the weak part of his character, 
and I have no doubt Kane has done it, and you will see 
that McLean's friends will next winter go for Kane and 
Wilson. I think Lockwood is either at work for Wilson 
or himself. His friends are against you; Dr. Jayne for 
one I understand has said he would not vote for anybody 
that was for you. Pugh says he will not go for Kane,, 
nor you, but expresses a preference for Wilson. I hope 
we may make a ticket against him. If Cartright would 
join, it might be done. To keep them from committing 
themselves against you, I have uniformly said, I tho't they 
need not be bracing themselves against you, that I did 
not believe you would be a candidate for the Senate. I 
fear that the only delegation that can be sent from San- 
gamon and Morgan at this time will rather be with Lock- 
wood, and inclined against you. If we could keep Pugh 
out, lies would be safe, but with P. in>the H. R. he is 
a little dangerous, yet he is the only man that we have 
any chance of electing. Cartright it is tho't can not be 
elected this year. From what I can see, Pugh, lies, 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 483 

Elkins, and Dawson will be the delegation. Dawson is 
Jackson. If Cartright would only stand back and help, 
I think, Elkins and Todd or Flecher might be elected, 
or perhaps Cartright could be elected, but it is not so 
tho't. Dr. Todd would / think be right as to you, and 
could get some votes that Cartright could not and if C. 
would go into it heartily, all that he could. 

Another word as to McLean. You and I can never, 
or at least can not be the first to find fault with him, for 
I have no doubt it was our exertions procured him the 
rather reluctant support of our friends. He answered a 
letter of mine in which I had reminded him of what the 
party who elected him expected of him, and what I tho't 
they had a right to expect, that is, the appointment of 
Jackson men who would act with the old J — men and 
A — men in State politics. In this letter he says he 
"owes nothing to any party in Illinois," and feels himself 
under no obligation to anybody. The mutual political 
attachment between him, Hall, and Ewing is incompatible 
with political or personal regard for either you or myself, 
or indeed almost any of the party. Besides all this he 
seems to be asleep. May comes home well satisfied with 
him, says he is not afraid of his nomination not being 
confirmed, although it turns, as do all the removals upon 
McLeans single vote. That McLean could defeat them 
all if he would. I shall say nothing, but McLean 
never has been for us. I now believe that Bond retired 
from the contest last winter in pursuance of an agreement 
then understood, and " that the contract has been executed 
as made." Kane will be hard to beat. He is now 



484 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

managing well. The Administration are for him to the 
exclusion of McLean, or M. is promised its aid hereafter 
for his neutrality until they can elect Kane. These are 
my conjectures. 

Now for Governor Reynolds. It is said here that Mor- 
gan and these upper counties will give him the majority, 
but I have my fears. The signs do not please me. He 
does not seem to me to be the kind of man to provoke 
the admiration of the crowd in times of heated party 
struggles. He is too timed, whilst his enemies are daring, 
defying, and manly; qualities that are always admired by 
the populace in proportion as they are ignorant, for their 
passion, and not sense governs them. The paper here has 
spoken in tones of defiance to Kinney's paper, and I think 
has made Hall and others lower their tone, and encouraged 
the cowardly supporters of Reynolds, but if I understand 
his letters to the printer here, he dreads its manly tones 
in his favor, and prefers, that it should assume an " armed 
neutrality" and sneak through the showers of slander 
poured upon his party by the opposition. I am therefore 
done until I know whether it is intended to censure the 
paper or not. Others may, I will not write a word more 
until I know what he means by his indirect advice to 
me in his letter to the printer. For as I have before 
said, it puzzles me to tell why I should now care for the 
success of one party more than the other; unless it can 
be shozvn that an obligation of gratitude for past favors 
from the party rests upon me; or unless it can be shown 
that I bear a more advantageous relation to the party 
than I had above supposed; so that I might calculate 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER, 485 

on its providence if necessary, which however according 
to my present calculations I shall never solicit; or unless 
it can be shown that one set of men will be more likely 
to promote the interest of the people at large, among 
whom I intend to array myself, than the other. None 
of these tilings can Jiappen from the mere election of 
Reynolds and Wilson, neither of whom have even the 
germs of a statesman in them. I beg you will excuse 
this careless scroll as the evidence of my confidence and 
unchanged feeling towards yourself. 

Yours, &c, 

George Forquer. 

Kane has talents and does his best against us, for his 
friends. These qualities, although they are exerted 
against all my wishes and personal interest, recommend 
their possessor to me in preference to a man, who has 
no talents and is so cold hearted, or selfish, or cowardly, 
that he will neither do right nor wrong, a man of mere 
negative virtues. Such men never did nor never shall 
engage either my services or affections. G. F. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Letter of A. P. Field; writes in regard to the misconduct of his 
clerk, Mr. Posey ; denies showing the letters of Governor 
Edwards; letter of Duff Green; VanBuren desires Jackson to 
be a candidate for re-election ; his own opinion that Jackson 
will not be a candidate; Calhoun will be the candidate of the 
South and West; "it is of great importance to defeat Kin- 
ney " ; while Kinney is running for governor as the Jackson 
candidate, the Jackson administration is stabbing him under 
the fifth rib ; letter of Hooper Warren ; drunken printers ; 
irregularity in issuing his paper ; struggle to get a bare sub- 
sistence for his family ; actually in a suffering condition ; 
regrets not having left Galena and gone into the country to 
raise a crop; no political excitement in Galena; apprehensive 
that his landlord may distrain for rent; bill for printing-paper 
unpaid; letter of George Forquer; has just returned from Taze- 
well County ; less opposition to Reynolds there than in any 
county he has been in ; Reynolds and Kinney placed in oppo- 
sition on the land question; Reynolds for the measure of Gov. 
Edwards ; Kinney against it ; some of Kane's friends prepar- 
ing to make the senatorial election a question; proper to show 
that Kane is opposed to the land question. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 

Louisville, March 20th, 1830. 

DEAR Guv. — Your letter in relation to the situation at 

my office and the conduct of my clerk, Mr. Posey, was 

received on the eve of my departure from Jonesboro' for 

this place. My health for the last four or five months has 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 487 

been so very bad that my physicians all told me that it 
was indispensably necessary for me to travel, and at this 
time I think I feel some change in my health for the 
better, but nothing has added more to my afflictions or in- 
creased my disease than the information your letter con- 
tained in regard to the official conduct of Mr. Posey. From 
the manner in which he was recommended to me, I had 
no doubt but implicit confidence could be reposed in him. 
You may be satisfied, however, that the error shall be cor- 
rected as soon as it is possible for me to return to Illinois. 
In regard to the letter you say I should have shown to 
Capt. Alexander of Pope, there is certainly some mistake. 
I am at least unconscious of ever even mentioning to him 
any letter that I received from you. Another fact is, I 
have not been in the practice of showing your letters even 
to your best friends, and as it regards the course I have 
taken in relation to the gubernatorial contest, no letter of 
yours, or any other person's, had the least influence in 
determining my course, in fact I had taken my stand long 
before. I never received any letter from you on the sub- 
ject of the election, but I would be glad if you would post- 
pone your publication until you hear from me at home. I 
shall have a personal interview with Capt. A. on my return, 
and will then be able to furnish you the desired corres- 
pondence. Rest satisfied that all things are going on well 
in our section of the State. You will undoubtedly have all 
the representation from our county in your favor, and also 
Whiteside of Pope. Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq., Belleville, 111. 



488 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF DUFF GREEN.* 

Washington, 27th April, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — I have waited for the departure of Doctor 
Lane to acknowledge the receipt of your last, in which you 
speak of the effect to be produced by the land question 
upon the next Presidential election. For many particulars 
I refer you to him. As to the next election, much depends 
upon events yet to be developed. Van Buren no doubt 
desires Gen. Jackson to be a candidate for re-election, 
under the belief that he can obtain an endorsement of the 
Genl's popularity. McLean believes that his position 
with the Methodists, his relation to the anti-masons, and 
the force of opposition will put him forward, and enter- 
tains strong hopes of success. My own individual opinion 
is that Gen. Jackson will not be a candidate, and that Mr. 
Calhoun will be the candidate of the South and West, and 
that he will also obtain the Democracy of New England. 
Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio are more doubtful. 

I look with much interest to your local election. It is 
of great importance to defeat Kinney, and from the current 
of public sentiment I can not doubt it. As yet clouds 

* Mr. Green was at fault in his prediction that General Jackson would not 
be a candidate for re-election. The letter is a key to the defeat of Kinney,, 
who was then running for governor against Reynolds. Kinney was an ultra- 
loud-mouthed and bawling Jackson man, and he and his friends were constantly 
charging Reynolds and his friends with not being loyal to Jackson's adminis- 
tration. That all of this had no effect at Washington is very certain, for 
Green says, "it is of great importance to defeat Kinney." While Kinney 
was electioneering over the State as the Jackson candidate par excellence, the 
administration was giving him a stab under the fifth rib, and all the time 
desiring the election of his opponent John Reynolds. At this time there was- 
no man nearer to General Jackson than Duff Green was. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 489 

hang over the future, but I think I can see them clearing 
away. - Your suspicions in relation to Mr. Ingham are not 
well founded. He is now firm and decided. Mr. Calhoun 
is daily gaining in strength, and he will rally the South 
upon the subject of the tariff and the Western lands. 

I must refer you from time to time to my paper. To 
your practised eyes there is no key wanting. 
Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, May 2, 1830. 

DEAR Sir: — I have not written to you for some time, 
not because our affairs here did not require information to 
be given you respecting them, but because I wished to wait 
for further developments of their probable termination, 
before making any more communications to you on the 
subject. 

We employed last fall for the winter, if we chose to keep 
him so long, a journeyman at $10 per week — a steady 
hand and a good workman. Shortly after, a discharged 
soldier arrived from St. Peters, a printer by profession, who 
being in distress offered to work at printing, or to labor for 
his board only — and he was taken into the family of Dr. 
Philleo as a servant, and occasionally put to work in the 
office. It was soon found that if he would keep sober that 
he would answer our purpose as a journeyman. I had 
previously learnt the two doctors how to set type, and with 
their work equal to one of them all the time, or both half 



490 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the time, I could print the paper without other help. But 
though they had scarcely anything else to do, they were 
lazy and would not work. Although I knew that the dis- 
charged soldier was addicted to hard drinking, yet for a 
few weeks he kept duly sober; and the doctors proposed 
to me to discharge the journeymen and employ him, who 
required nothing for his work but his board, and as much 
beside as we chose to give him. They promising to turn 
in to work whenever he should be non compos, and wishing 
to save $10 per w r eek, I consented, and the journeyman 
was discharged. This was about Christmas. The new 
hand soon began to take his spi ccs. The doctors, however, 
would not work — I could sometimes get them at it for a 
few minutes, but the billiard and card tables had greater 
attractions for them. You have seen that the arrival of 
the paper by mail has been irregular. It has happened in 
this way: The new hand has been drunk about half the 
time during the winter, and lately nearly all the time. 
Anxious not to lose a publication, I kept the dates to suc- 
ceed each other weekly until the latter part of March. 
Although the paper would be dated on Monday, it would 
be the next Thursday or Friday before it would be issued, 
and then the man getting sober would work night and day 
with me for eight or ten days, and in that way I was ena- 
bled to get out the 2d or 3d paper on its regular day. 
We have lost two numbers since the 22d of March. The 
present week will add another failure, for the last number 
{39) was not issued until Thursday evening. Our man has 
lately become so beastly that I have been obliged to turn 
him off. So that, for anything that I know, the publica- 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 49 1 

tion must stop altogether, unless I do all the work myself 
— and I must confess that I have no spirit to proceed. 

We commenced housekeeping in January. I had to 
threaten to stop working unless I could have the means of 
doing so, before any way was devised; and it was at last 
agreed that I might collect what I could at the stores for 
advertising, &c. At almost every place I called I found 
offsets for what was charged, against one of the doctors, or 
both, or our own firm. But by inducing some who adver- 
tised by the year to pay a little in advance, and by being 
the most vigilant when any advertisement was to be col- 
lected, I have succeeded to get a bare sitbsistence for my 
family. I rented a house containing only one small room 
for $4 per month, which was to be paid monthly. The 
fourth month is now nearly out, and I have paid nothing. 
I expect to be turned out unless I pay the rent soon. Be- 
tween $60 and $70 of my boarding bill last summer at 
Goss's remains unpaid. The opening of navigation has 
added nothing to our business — indeed our paper has lost 
in the confidence of the public. 

I was apprehensive of this state of things during the 
latter part of the winter, and I thought of securing to my- 
self a living for the present year by going into the country 
and raising a crop this summer; but my duty to you not 
only prompted, but my pride was enlisted to keep up this 
publication as long as possible. It is now too late to have 
that recourse. 

I regret, most sincerely, having induced you, last spring, 
to make a further advance on this establishment. It was, 
however, with the strongest conviction that it would ulti- 



492 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

mately prove to your advantage in the sale of the whole. 
I will endeavor never again to mislead my own or your 
judgment in such a case. 

May 29, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — When I had written the foregoing thus far, 
Cooper, our journeyman, having become tolerably sober, 
applied to be reinstated in this office, which was readily 
done. Our stock of paper was exhausted on the 8th of 
April. Since that time we have depended on what we 
could pick up in town; the commission merchant who 
engaged to supply us has quit business here. There is no 
paper now in town to be bought, but that is nothing to our 
present case. Dr. Philleo has done nothing for the office 
for several months except to board the journeyman. Dr. 
Newhall has purchased all the paper we have used since 
the 5th of April, by collecting money due us; but for our 
last number (42) he was four days after it was wanted in 
raising $5 to pay for it. None has been sent for to St. 
Louis, and although it is not so avowed in terms, I believe 
that no further attempt will be made to get any. As to 
Dr. Newhall, I believe it is not in his power — but as to 
Philleo, I believe he would rather embarrass than facilitate 
our prospects at present. 

I will now give you a glimpse of my own situation. 
For the last four or five weeks my family has been in an 
actually suffering condition. As I have before stated, I 
have been left to depend on what I could collect, and that 
I found offsets at almost every place where I presented an 
account. My wife, who has done all the work of the 
house, including washing and sewing, has been sick for the 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 493 

last three weeks, occasioned by over doing. What has 
aggravated her case is, I have had nothing in the house to 
eat except salted meat and bread, and not a picayune to 
purchase a delicate article of food suitable for a sick per- 
son. She is now reduced to a skeleton, is not all the time 
confined to her bed, but has no more strength than an 
infant. Since her sickness commenced we have had a 
small black girl in the house, eight or ten years old. Dur- 
ing the time, too, I have been required to leave the house 
I was living in, which I have done, and taken another on 
the same terms, but farther out of town. Of the articles 
above mentioned, I have a supply only for a few days 
longer, and how I am to get any more I know not. You 
will thus see, that even if we had paper to go on with our 
business, it would be my paramount duty to quit it, pro- 
vided I could get any other employment that would afford 
me the means of living. I have now nothing to do but to 
regret not having left this place and gone into the country 
in season to raise a crop. If I must be so poor as to want 
the necessaries of life, I would rather be in the country. 

Since writing the above, the mail of this evening brought 
your letter of the 19th inst. The steamboat Missouri ar- 
rived this morning, and brought the ream of medium paper 
mentioned by you. The last Illinois Intelligencer does not 
contain the addresses to which you refer. I take it that 
your view was to have them republished in our paper, and 
then some copies struck off in hand-bills. The latter 
could yet be done. But with my present impressions, it 
would be hardly expedient, unless you wished to circulate 
them in other parts of the State besides this. There is no 



494 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

political excitement here. I must write to you again on 
this subject, perhaps next week, by which time I can 
probably determine what is to become of me here. I had 
commenced setting up the old type out of their cases, in 
order for moving the office, if that course should be deter- 
mined upon. It would take me two or three weeks to set 
up all the types, new and old, in order for moving. It has 
not been done heretofore on such occasions, but their 
safety requires it, either for moving or storage. I think, 
to effect a sale of them, you would do better to have them 
stored here, than sent down the river. A press will be 
wanted in Huron. Nor will this place remain long without 
the establishment of this, or some other efficient paper. 

Mr. Rule is here, pressing payment of his rent. Nearly 
12 months is due, amounting to $120. I was apprehensive 
that he might attempt to distrain for it, and thought of 
moving the materials out of his building before he could 
get hold of them. In a conversation with him, however, I 
did not infer that he intended to take that course. Tillson 
& Holmes' bill for paper ($152) likewise is not paid. 

Yours truly, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Springfield, III., May 14, 1830. 
DEAR Sir: — Inclosed is the note on Ewing and Berry. 
I have just returned from Tazewell. There seems to be 
less opposition to Reynolds there than in any county I 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 495 

have been in. Some say three to one, others five to one, 
and some nine out of ten for Reynolds, Ewing will be 
voted for generally in that county. You will see that by 
our paper of this week that Reynolds and Kinney are 
placed in opposition to each other on the land question, 
Reynolds for your measure, and Kinney adverse to it. I 
intend to keep this matter before the people, as well as the 
canal, and if possible to make these two interests swallow 
up all minor ones. I have not been able to find Pettis' 
speech. Can you send it to me? Some of Kane's friends 
here are preparing to make the senatorial election a ques- 
tion. When they shall openly have done so, it will be 
proper in my opinion to show that Kane is opposed to the 
land question, and I do not see how that is to be done 
without coupling him with Duncan and making the charge 
against both. The charge may the easier be proved 
against both, if each is to be held responsible for the other, 
which I think is the true ground, because each supports 
the other, and must therefore be considered as approving 
his course. Were / to do this, I fear that even my friends 
would throw cold water on it, because Duncan beat me. 

Yours, &c, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

Letter of Governor Edwards to the people of Illinois ; repels the 
attacks made upon him by Elias Kent Kane ; his previous 
triumph over combined power of Kane and Kinney's party; 
refers to his administration of State affairs and the reforms he 
has accomplished; all his promises carried out; invites Kane 
to decline being a candidate for the U. S. senate, and he will 
try titles with him as a candidate for Congress; would rather 
" fall nobly than rise meanly " ; his efforts to free the State 
from the aggressive misrule of the bank party; ridiculous effu- 
sions of Kinney ; no writer, but " stiff as steel-yards " ; has 
money enough to buy other people to write for him ; the intense 
hostility of the bank party to him ; to antagonize the party was 
like poking one's head into a hornet's nest; defies his enemies 
to show a case when he has ever acted against the interest of 
the people ; thinks he can render greater service in the State 
than out of it. 

LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO THE 
PEOPLE OF ILLINOIS. 

Belleville, 21 May, 1830. 
To the People of Illinois: 

Fellow- Citizens: — I deeply regret that the Hon. Elias K. 
Kane, to whom I had given no kind of provocation, and 
whom, ever since he has filled his present elevated station, 
I have endeavored to treat with all the politeness and 
respect that is so justly due him, should, in an anonymous 
publication, and in a style of the most vindictive invective, 
have taken the lead in those attacks upon me, which were 
referred to in my last address to you. 






LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 497 

Though he regards it as but "a possibility" that my 
""vanity," which he represents as "the most conspicuous 
trait in my character," and of which it is very probable I 
have a good deal too much, might inspire me with a hope 
of rising to a competition with him for a seat in the Senate 
of the U. S., he presents me before you as so fallen, so 
unpopular, so little to be dreaded, so much an object of 
"charity" that it is wonderful his magnanimity had not in- 
duced him to spare me. 

Taking his hint, however, of this possible consequence of 
my "vanity," the writers who have followed his lead ever 
since last October, and of whom I have hitherto taken no 
notice, have labored so incessantly to enlist your prejudices 
tgainst me, and his friends have taken so much pains to 
bring out and commit candidates for the Legislature in his 
favor, that one can hardly credit their sincerity in profess- 
ing to consider me such a poor old broken down politician 
as they would persuade you to think me. 

What right have they to regard my popularity as 
reduced to so low an ebb? Do they infer it from my last 
trial of strength with them? You well know that, four 
years ago, the combined power of Messrs. Kane and Kin- 
ney's party, of the Bank party, and of the Circuit Court 
party, aided by the co-operation of some of the most 
powerful men and purest patriots of the state, who then 
took an erroneous view of my Conduct, but are now 
amongst my warmest friends, w T as all brought to bear upon 
me. Against this powerful host I had to contend almost, 
if not entirely, single handed. For, deploring the ruinous 
policy that had prevailed, and the enormous taxes with 
32 



49§ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

which you were oppressed in consequence thereof, I deter- 
mined, regardless of personal consequence, to endeavor to 
produce reform, and neither consulting nor soliciting the 
aid of any individual, I took such bold grounds in all my 
addresses to you as the politicians, those most friendly dis- 
posed towards me, almost universally, thought too hazard- 
ous to be interfered with, and yet, by your favor, which I 
shall remember with gratitude to the latest period of my 
life, I succeeded, though my political friends were gen- 
erally defeated at the same election, and a large majority 
opposed to them and myself were returned to the Legis- 
lature. 

Am I less popular now than I was at that time? Judg- 
ing from the friendly and cordial feelings manifested 
towards me by the last Legislature, which has given more 
general satisfaction, and did more for your interests than 
all others which had preceded it; from the unanimous 
invitation of the House of Representatives to take a seat 
within their bar, which had been refused to my prede- 
cessor; from letters which I receive from every part of the 
State; from the kind and affectionate treatment I meet 
with from my fellow-citizens whenever I go among them; 
and from the undoubted fact that many who then opposed 
me are now my friends and supporters, I should think I 
never stood better with the people of the State generally 
than at the present time. 

This, however, Mr. Kane may regard as a proof of my 
"vanity," and it may be so. But why should I not stand 
well with you ? What have I done to forfeit the confidence 
with which you honored me so highly in 1826? Many of 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 499 

you, at that time, could scarcely credit the representations 
I made of the ruinous manner in which our affairs had 
been managed, and there were not a few of you who confi- 
dently predicted that, should I be elected, nothing more 
would be heard about them. But you have long since 
been convinced that all I told you was true. You have 
seen that I did not fail to press those truths upon the 
Legislature; that I went for reform as energetically after 
as before my election; and that I have done and per- 
formed all and everything which I authorized you to ex- 
pect. You have seen the principles for which I contended 
carried into practical operation, by your faithful repre- 
sentatives in the last Legislature. Their results afford a 
striking contrast with a system of measures which had 
been previously adopted and pursued, through the influ- 
ence of a party who were as regardless of your interest as 
they are intent upon depriving me of your good opinion. 
And which measures have, for a long time, subjected you 
to the payment of precisely as much tax, upon a hundred 
dollars worth of property, in one year, as you would have 
to pay in Kentucky, an adjoining state where taxes are 
receivable in the same kind of currency, in eight years. 

In the year previous to my election, creditors' warrants 
which the State was bound to redeem with gold and silver, 
to the amount of upwards of $107,000, were issued and 
paid out at three dollars for one, whereby the State sus- 
tained a clear loss, in one single year, of more than $70,000, 
a sum fully sufficient to have carried on all its necessary 
operations for three years. And this policy the people of 
Sangamo county heard advocated by my competitor, 



500 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

whose friends had originated it, in a public speech at 
Springfield. Suppose, then, that he instead of myself had 
been elected, and such measures continued, what would 
have been the situation of the State by this time? 

Let us now see what have been the results of the meas- 
ures which I have supported. The taxes on lands of resi- 
dents of the counties in which they lie have been given up 
to those counties ; the state is not losing a cent by its 
financial operations; and your taxes may be safely reduced 
to one-third of their present amount, at the next session of 
the Legislature. And all this has been effected without 
the aid of any resources which were not within the power 
of the state previous to the commencement of my adminis- 
tration. Why, then, should I be held up to you as an 
enemy to your rights and interest, against whose machina- 
tions you have no other way of shielding yourselves but 
by the election of Messrs. Kinney and Kane? 

Great as Mr. Kane may consider my "vanity," it is not 
so misleading but that I can duly appreciate the difficulties 
I might have to encounter in a contest for a seat in the 
Senate of the U. S. I am too well apprized of the extent 
and power of a combination of politicians, whom a desire 
to put me down for the sake of making more room for 
themselves, and the offences I have given, by my efforts for 
reform in our state affairs, have rallied against me. The 
schemes which they have long since had in operation, the 
committals that have already taken place, the plans 
formed for effecting others, and the facility with which it 
is to be expected that candidates may be induced to com- 
mit themselves on one side, when it is not at all required 






LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 501 

by the other, are fully sufficient to make me think very 
humbly of any chance I might have of success. And, 
indeed, if my " vanity has ever whispered to me the possi- 
bility of rising" as Mr. Kane supposes, it has never in- 
spired me with very presumptuous calculations of being 
able to effect it, even under more auspicious circumstances, 
in elections of that kind. For, though no man is less apt 
to forget his friends, it has never been my habit, and never 
shall be, to enter into bargains, or make individual prom- 
ises, during the pendency of an election. And if my ene- 
mies say otherwise, I will thank them to point out a single 
instance in which I have ever done so. 

If, however, Mr. Kane is willing to practice the princi- 
ples of rotation in office, which used to be so strongly 
pressed by his party against Mr. Cook and myself, and 
which have now become the popular doctrine of the day, 
and will give way to some one of his friends for the Senate, 
and declare himself a candidate for the House of Repre- 
sentatives, the disparaging manner in which he has written 
of me, under the signature of " W," will, I hope, excuse me 
for saying that, whatever the sacrifice, I will not shrink 
from a competition with him. 

Experience has taught me that the people are ever dis- 
posed to do any man even more than justice who has 
proved by his acts that he deserves to be considered their 
real friend. And having, in a long course of public service 
of more than thirty years, honestly and faithfully endeav- 
ored to acquire that character, and knowing that my ene- 
mies can not show a single act by which I have forfeited 
it, I have, indeed, the "vanity" to believe that I have as 



502 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

little to fear from the people as any other man. I will go 
further. Having always relied upon such grounds for 
success, and never been defeated in an election by the 
people in my life, I have "vanity" enough (and I might as 
well confess it, since Mr. Kane will have it that, that is 
"the most conspicuous trait in my character") to believe 
that neither he nor any man of his party can beat me in an 
election by the people. 

But should I ever become Mr. Kane's competitor I will 
not follow his example, by abusing him, as he has done 
me. And I doubt very much indeed whether any of you 
can be led to believe that this is either the most honorable 
or judicious means of success, in a virtuous, high-minded, 
and enlightened community. Independent of all other 
considerations, I should really think it no credit to beat 
such a piteous, fallen, friendless old man as he represents 
me to be. I will not, therefore, attempt to pluck a feather 
from his cap, but, without questioning the fidelity with 
which he has served you in his present station, will most 
cheerfully admit that his talents and standing entitle him 
to the most respectful treatment. The very "vanity" 
which he imputes to me prevents me from thinking so 
poorly of myself, as to feel it necessary to rest my hopes of 
success upon the prostration of any man. And if I can 
not rise but by such means, I will remain in "the imprison- 
ment for life" to which his fancy has consigned me. For 
I would far rather fall nobly than rise meanly. 

Differing, however, as we do, and I hope with equal 
honesty, in regard to the right of the state to the public 
lands within its limits, and this being a subject which I 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 503 

can not give up, and from the support of which, with the 
best of my poor abilities, I would not be deterred by a 
■combination more powerful, and odds even greater than I 
had to encounter in my efforts to free the state from the 
oppressive misrule of the Bank party and their political 
associates, it may so happen that I shall be, necessarily, 
compelled to combat his opinions in defending my own. 
But should this ever be the case, he may rest assured that 
I shall not offend against the good taste and honorable 
.sentiments of the community by questioning his motives, 
or failing to treat both himself and his arguments with the 
most profound respect. If there be any advantages in a 
different course he is entirely welcome to the whole of 
them. 

Judging from his remarks in the Senate of the U. S., it 
would seem that he is of the opinion that the state would 
recoil from the assertion of its right to the public lands " in 
any way," or for any purpose, and doubtless supposes he 
has the popular side of the question. This may be so. 
But it is enough for me to believe that I have the right 
side. And of this so strong are my convictions that, but 
for the danger of receiving another unmerciful castigation 
from him for my "vanity," I would say I should not be 
afraid, or ashamed, to argue my side of the question in 
either House of Congress, or anywhere else. 

And now, fellow-citizens, though a candidate for nothing 
— but your good will and approbation, yet prizing these 
more highly than all the honors and emoluments of office 
without them, and knowing that I have tried to merit 
them, I could but esteem their loss (through the machina- 



504 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

tions of a club of politicians, who are much more anxious 
for my political destruction, to get me out of their own way f 
than to advance any interest of yours) a misfortune, and a 
mortification, for which any office the Legislature could 
confer upon me would be but a poor equivalent. Gratify- 
ing as it maybe to some men's pride to be calld "His- 
Excellency," "The Honorable, &c," there is no distinction 
which office can confer that I have ever coveted as much, 
or tried as hard to acquire, as that of being justly consid- 
ered "the people's friend" and "the people's man." In 
this I have hitherto been successful, as I freely confess, 
much beyond my poor deserts. How long I may be able 
to maintain this standing, however, depends much more 
upon you than myself. For so numerous and talented are 
my assailants, so well concerted their plan of operations, 
so judiciously distributed the parts which each has to act, 
and so harmonious their concert of action, that nothing 
but your good feelings, and sense of justice, could save me 
from the political annihilation which they deem so essen- 
tial to the accomplishment of their own selfish and ambi- 
tious views. 

You have seen how Mr. Kane opened his batteries upon 
me, how quick his hint was taken, how constantly his lead 
has been followed, how diligently certain individuals have 
been riding through the state to marshal their forces and 
set their minor agents to work, and with what zeal and 
uniformity they have all, from the highest in their ranks 
down to their humblest grocery agents, labored to render 
me odious to you. Mr. Kinney, it is true, is no writer, but 
then, being "as stiff as steelyards," he has money to pay 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 505 

other people to write for him, and strength enough of his 
own to pack hand-bills through the country, and hence 
you have seen "Sam Patch's Jumps," "Sam Patch's Eye- 
water," "Cronicles" after "Cronicles," and other equally 
ridiculous effusions (which he had not the sagacity to dis- 
cover could do him no good with a sensible community) 
spread over the State almost as thick as the frogs and 
locusts of Egypt, not forgetting, occasionally, to leave 
large heaps of them in certain land offices, the incumbents 
of which have no particular partiality for my views con- 
cerning the public lands. 

During all this time I had not myself, till the 14th inst. r 
nor has any other person, written a word in my favor, that 
I recollect, and so unusual is it for me to receive the aid 
of politicians that I should scarcely have forgotten it had 
it occurred. 

This would not have been tolerated for one moment by 
these persecutors of me, and dictators to you, who think 
you have not sense enough to judge for yourselves, and 
therefore, out of pure love to you, have undertaken to man- 
age your affairs, and assign to you such parts as they con- 
sider you fit to act. You will soon see how unmercifully 
I shall be bespattered with their filth for what I have now 
written, for they would deny to me even the poor privilege 
of self-defence. 

In this unequal contest, few of you, I trust, will be dis- 
posed, without good cause, to unite with such a host of 
assailants for the destruction of a gray-headed old man, left 
almost alone to defend himself against their united power. 
It is to be hoped that good, honest men, whom I have 



5°6 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



never injured, or personally offended, will feel how degrad- 
ing it would be to themselves, how servile it must appear 
to others, to become my enemies, and raise a "hue and 
cry" against me merely because Mr. Kane and Mr. 
Kinney and their partisans tell them to do so. Were 
you to see a great number of individuals falling, with their 
united strength, upon an old man who had done you some 
good, and no harm, to beat his body, your generous and 
manly souls would revolt at the thought of joining to kick 
and cuff him yourselves. It would be still more ignoble 
to join them in mangling and destroying his reputation, 
infinitely more important than his frail, perishi?ig body, 
which must soon return to the dust from whence it came. 
Is it to your interest thus to unite against me? You know 
perfectly well that, when I commenced my efforts for 
reform in our State affairs, it was like poking one's head 
into a hornet's nest to say a word against the policy of the 
Bank party and their political associates, who were then 
dominant, and had, for years before, ruled the State with 
uncontrolled sway. Are you quite sure that any other 
man in the State would have undertaken this perilous 
task, under the same circumstances? And have you not 
received some benefit from my exertions? If, then, you 
are to join in immolating me to the vengeance I have pro- 
voked by trying to serve you, what encouragement will 
others hereafter have to encounter similar risks? 

Is it enough that my enemies, unable to point out a 
single instance in which I have ever proved unfaithful to 
you, should be constantly telling you — not of what bad 
things / have done against your interest, but of what they 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. S°7 

choose to assume, or pretend to believe, I am going to do? 
With this mode of attack upon me you have long been 
familiar, but you have never yet seen even one of those 
malevolent predictions fulfilled. If any one thinks other- 
wise let the case be named, I am ready to meet it. It is 
said the "tree should be judged by its fruit." If this be 
true, you have had ample opportunity of testing my 
fidelity. I was your Governor during the whole period of 
our Territorial Government; six years I served you in the 
Senate of the U. S., and have been almost four years in 
my present office. It is not to be doubted that, in such a 
long course of service, I may have committed many errors, 
but I now invite my persecutors, as I have often done 
heretofore, to descend to particulars, and point out one 
case at least, in which I have ever acted against, or post- 
poned your interest to my oivn. If they can not do this, or 
will not do it, under their own proper names, it is un- 
reasonable to expect you to join in persecuting me, merely 
because it would be a convenience to them to get me out of 
their own way. 

Infinitely prefering a private station, with your good 
will and approbation, to a seat in the Senate of the U. S., 
or any other office without them, I will only add that, 
from the divisions among ourselves in regard to the right 
of the State to the public lands within its limits, I strongly 
incline to the opinion that I can render you greater ser- 
vices in the State than out of it, that I should be fully as 
well pleased to undertake the former as the latter, and 
that, in either case, I shall go for a surrender of those 
lands to the State upon equitable terms, and for the lowest 



5o8 



THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 



possible reduction of price, and the granting of donations 
to actual settlers, till they shall be surrendered, or the 
State may think proper to assert its right to them. 

Ninian Edwards. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Letter of George Forquer; speculations as to the course of political 
policy that should be pursued; considers contest between Reyn- 
olds and Kinney for governor already decided; Kinney will beat 
Reynolds as far as Duncan beat him; both sides deceived as 
to their strength ; Wilson, Lockwood, Browne, Smith, Mather, 
and their satellites must be compelled to fight shoulder to shoul- 
der, or all sink or all swim ; advice as to the course to be pur- 
sued on the land question; serious thoughts of addressing the 
people on that subject, but his pecuniary situation admonishes 
him to cramp his political energies ; sometimes tempted to 
form the nucleus of a party of his own ; letter of Hooper 
Warren ; embarrassments of the " Galena Advertiser " ; Mr. 
Marsh, Judge Reynolds, Dr. Newhall, Dr. Philleo; Cooper, the 
journeyman-printer, goes to St. Louis; speech of Mr. Pettis; 
probable organization of Warren and McDonough counties ; 
death of Col. Abner Field; $36,000 of auditor's warrants said to 
be found in his possession; J. W. Stephenson appointed clerk 
in Field's place; he would have been defeated as a candidate for 
the legislature ; James A. Clark announced as a candidate in 
his place; letter of George Forquer; writes about his address 
to the people and on canal question; Kinney quite enough for 
us at one time ; " Kane and him will be at once against you 
and Reynolds " ; about Gov. Edwards being a candidate for 
the senate; the confusion that will result from a certain course 
of action; officers and soldiers taken by surprise; "a few gal- 
lant souls out upon a forlorn hope, among whom please num- 
ber yours, sincerely, George Forquer"; another letter from George 
Forquer; now the time to come forward and defend yourself; 
J. M. Duncan's infamous handbill ; tells Reynolds that he 
must fight the battle more bravely; a coal put on Lockwood's 
back; "we must make Wilson, Lockwood, and their friends 






5IO THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

fight with us " ; " shall publish Hall a base liar and a hired 
puppy " ; letter of Hooper Warren ; sends for ten reams of 
paper and only one ream comes; printing-office idle; distress 
for rent ; Dr. Philleo at the bottom of it ; clear case of biter 
bit; prospects brightening; finds means "to get a new barrel 
of flour"; gets his cow up from Springfield; letter of George 
Forquer; "three men in our party who have some courage"; 
should be backed up by echoing the warwhoop throughout the 
State ; the papers should cry out in tones of defiance ; " stun 
the other side and strike terror to their hearts." 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

. Springfield, May 27, 1830. 
DEAR Sir: — Your letter was not handed me till last 
night. I have read it carefully and with deep interest. 
The pieces signed " Red Gauntlet " I have seen, and 
although the talking Kinney men here are as much 
dependent upon the Intelligencer for ideas as in any other 
part of the State, I never heard of "Red Gauntlet" being 
named or anything therein being used by the talkers. 
With the most sincere deference to your superior judg- 
ment and experience, I fear you will take your friends 
by surprise. Generally, their plan of action has been to 
keep you out of sight in the contest until after the August 
elections were over, but at the same time to have an eye 
to the probability of your being before the Legislature, 
and to conduct the election with that object under cover. 
Will not your course so change the plan of action that it 
will place your friends under the necessity of counter- 
marching in open view of the enemy? If so, the evolution 
should not have been attempted. The gen'l should never 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 5 II 

forget that his subalterns, according to their rank, have as 
much pride of character as himself; and if he expects 
them to be gallant in storming the strong places of the 
enemy, he should at least flatter them by holding a coun- 
cil of war before undertaking the enterprise. He should 
encourage in them a high-toned self-pride, and should 
never require of them any service which would humiliate 
them in their own or the enemy's opinion. If he does, his 
orders will be executed in so cold and mutinous a spirit 
that defeat is almost inevitable. 

I fear that the contest for governor between Kinney and 
Reynolds is now over, and that it is henceforward to be 
one between Kane, Kinney, Duncan, and yourself. Reyn- 
olds will no longer figure in the contest. Those three 
gentlemen will be thrown in one scale, and yourself in the 
other. Duncan will do for a weight, and they will have 
him arrayed against you before the contest is over. This 
is what they have been endeavoring to provoke. 

I will do all I can to sustain you, but as for other matters,. 
I now say to you, what I will not lisp to any mortal, that 
I believe Kinney will beat Reynolds as far as Duncan did 
me. It is the same parties, with very little difference. 
This opinion I have all along, you know, entertained. 
Both sides are at this time deceived. We are weaker 
than we think for, and they are stronger than they think 
for. If our party, as at present organized, had been rep- 
resented at Vandalia, and there openly taken a stand and 
appealed to the people, as I wanted to do, then we would 
have made all hands fight. Wilson and his satellites, 
Lockwood and his, Browne and his, Smith and his, and 



512 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Mather and his would have been compelled to go with 
us shoulder to shoulder, and all sink or all swim; but now 
they will each seek his individual interest, and if this can 
be done best by sinking each other, that will be done. I 
have before written you my opinion of the best plan of 
action, and have stated the danger that either you or 
myself would be in by engaging in the contest over our 
own names, unless the party was previously committed 
to back us by some overt act of the men named. The 
great men of the party would be willing at any time to 
see you out of their way, and the smaller great men 
would be glad to see me in the same fix. Had I not 
been so sensible of the relation which I bear to my own 
party, I should long since have appealed to the people in 
defence of my humble fame. The manner in which Reyn- 
olds is handled for voting for me, leaves the inference to 
be drawn by those ignorant of my character that there is 
something in it at war with honest fame. 

June 3d, 1830. 
Since the above was written, the Vandalia paper has 
been received, and nothing from you appears in it. I 
hope you have seen cause to change your mind. But I 
fear that Hall has abused you by keeping your commu- 
nication back one week for the purpose of letting J. M. D. 
write the Carlyle letter, in anticipation of your communi- 
cation. I think your friends had better write for you, or 
rather that you had better write through them. I have 
suggested this to Cowles in a letter by this mail. I also 
differ with you in the propriety of your appearing before 
the people yourself as the advocate of the land question. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 5 13 

This I think should be done by the party, and have 
written by this mail 12 letters, requesting our friends to 
start it. If we can once get the question to take, we can 
at once make it elect your friends everywhere, better with- 
out your name being used than if it were. 

This paper will keep that subject before the people 
every week, and I am not; but it may yet be proper to 
make it a question in our county elections. If I can, by 
a few essays, get the public mind awakened, I have serious 
tho'ts of addressing the people of these counties in public 
meetings, to be called for that purpose. This I would 
assuredly do, did not my pecuniary situation admonish 
me to cramp my political energies until I shall have better 
provided for my family. At present I am mainly depend- 
ent upon the opposite side in politics for professional 
patronage, for throughout the whole circuit there are law- 
yers who stand nearer the hearts of our friends than I do. 
In Greene, Caverly; in Morgan, Thomas; and here, Pugh 
and Stuart. My salary is a sufficient excuse for my 
friends to direct to the others. My relation to the party 
in this respect I have before communicated to you. Not- 
withstanding, however, all these prudential cautions, I 
sometimes feel strongly tempted to throw myself before 
the people as the advocate of measures (not as a candi- 
date), and at least form the nucleus of a party of my own. 
I would be certain to have some adherents, enough to 
give tone to the northwest part of the State. You will 
see the Courier of tomorrow. Y'rs, 

Geo. Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards. 

33 






514 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, June 6th, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — From my letter to you by last mail, you 
would conclude that the Galena Advertiser would be 
issued no longer under its present organization. Since 
that time Mr. March has kindly offered to purchase and 
send us 10 reams to complete the year. I understood 
from Dr. Newhall, who made the arrangement, that it is 
Mr. March's intention to purchase the paper, and then 
call on Judge Reynolds, yourself, and other friends for 
a contribution. I protested to Dr. N. against your being 
called upon for that purpose, and gave him my reasons. 
He requested me to speak to Mr. M. myself on the sub- 
ject, but I did not see him until the boat had cast off. 
Should he come to you, I wish you to tell him it is my 
wish for him to send his bill to his agent in this place 
for collection, with instructions to have' it sued if not 
paid in a reasonable time. I do not know exactly what 
effect this would have. Philleo has a house and lot here 
with the right of pre-emption, worth four or five hundred 
dollars. He owns also several tracts of Bounty land. 
If taken in time it might be made out of him. 

Cooper, our journeyman, thinking there was nothing- 
more for him to do, had taken passage and gone on 
board a steam-boat for St. Louis. He would not stop, 
upon request, but promised to come back in the same 
boat with the paper. Whether he will do so, is extremely 
doubtful, as he was not sober when he made this promise. 

You will thus see there is some probability of the paper 
being continued to the end of the year, at the end of 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 515 

which time, should no purchaser come forward, it must 
stop. I have accordingly been hunting over our old 
papers for Mr. Pettis' speech, and have succeeded only 
in finding the conclusion of it, as published in the Beacon. 
We receive no Washington paper but the Nat. Journal. 
I shall look further to find the commencement of it; and if 
successful will make all necessary extracts from the whole. 

The Vandalia paper received last evening, does not 
contain the addresses you speak of. It would seem 
however, that they have received the manuscript, or 
heard of it some other way, and are prodigiously alarmed. 

There being 10 numbers wanted to complete our 
year's publication, should it go on without interruption 
after the arrival of paper, it will be near September when 
finished. In this time the subject of the public lands 
may be fully presented to the people. 

Judge Young left here last Friday on his Circuit. I 
had a moment's conversation with him before he started, 
and asked him if he thought the friends of the Adminis- 
tration here felt sufficient interest in a paper to bring out 
and support a printer, and take this establishment? He 
had no time to hold consultations on the subject, but 
said he would do so on his return. He said that two 
counties, Warren and McDonough, would probably be 
organized on the Bounty Tract this summer; but he 
thought it would be best for me to select one of the 
counties on the canal. I think so too. 

Col. Field died in this place on the first inst. It is 
said that $36,000 in Auditor's warrants were found in 
his possession. J. W. Stephenson has been appointed 



i 



5 l6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

clerk in his place; it is well for him, for he surely would 
have been defeated in his election to the Legislature. 
James A. Clark, a young lawyer from Boon's Lick, is 
announced as a candidate in his place. But I think 
Joel Wright will still have a majority in this county. 

I am, yours truly, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTERS OF GEORGE FOROUER. 

Springfield, ioth June, 1830. 
DEAR Sir: — Yours to the people, and on the canal 
has been received. The latter will appear this week, 
and the former next week unless countermanded by you. 
Reynolds was here on the 8th and 9th from Vandalia 
where he had heard from B. all about your communica- 
tions. I stated that I received your com'n for this paper, 
and all present, Dr. Todd and others, tho't that it was of 
the highest importance to delay its publication for one 
week at least by which time you could be heard from. 
This short delay it was argued could do you no injury, 
and I was requested to write to you and state what was 
the opinion of your friends here in relation to the bearing 
which your communications would have upon the election. 
What I wrote to you before merely as my opinion I find 
would be more than realized. Every man here when 
pushed for his real sentiments believes that Kinney is 
quite enough for us at one time. All agree that Kane 






LETTER OF GEORGE FQRQUER. 517 

and him at once against you and Reynolds and we are 
gone. This delay of a week, in publishing yours to 
the people, has been the result of the wish of several 
of your sincere personal and political friends. I was 
pressed to go to Belleville on purpose to see you. 

I shall be absent at the Schuyler court after to-morrow 
until this day week, and will not be here on next Monday 
when the southern mail arrives. If nothing is heard from 
you by that mail your com'n will appear and I will do 
what I can, but I assure you there are a majority of 
voices here against blending your fate with the present 
contest and persons too who would be for you after the 
contest is over. They say that they have always said 
you would not be a candidate for the Senate, and that 
now to bring you and Mr. Kane in conflict would be 
virtually declaring you a candidate, and they would have 
to "eat," said one, "our own words, or go against him." 
With feelings of the most sincere friendship, I am bound 
to say to you what I see will be the consequence of 
blending your name with the election unless you have 
managed to present yourself so as to really seem to be 
disconnected with the election, which I consider an im- 
possibility. The confusion which I fear will be made in 
our ranks will enable the enemy to make complete 
slaughter of us all. This need not have been the case, 
if the army had been prepared for battle, but both officers 
and soldiers are taken by surprise, and some will be panic 
struck, some desert to the enemy for safety, some stand 
still and be slaughtered, and others desert the field, 



5 l8 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

leaving a few gallant souls out upon a forlorn hope, among 

whom please number, Yours sincerely, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

Springfield, June 17th, 1830. 
Dear SfR: — I have just arrived at sundown from Bash- 
ville, and have but just time to read you com'r and letters, 
and to say a word or two. Had I time I would say much- 
Suffice it to say that I think you ought now to come for- 
ward and defend yourself. I think the temper of your 
com'n happy and well calculated to take. All I fear is 
that it is a little too long. As it has turned out, t think 
it is fortunate in the highest degree that you have been 
induced to detain it until J. M. Duncan's infamous hand- 
bill has appeared. You can now truly say that you are 
forced into the contest. You should state how the Dun- 
cans used to be your creatures, and that you gave them 
bread in their need. I am glad to see that you do think 
as I do about our mean and cowardly party. We will be 
whipt to death, but I mean to die in the last ditch. I am, 
as I have always been, true, but my motive in writing to 
you was to inform you that all our friends were not so, 
and that there was danger. Now, however, your friends 
will take the track and back you. Reynolds was at 
Schuyler when Duncan's hand-bill came. Turney and R. 
made speeches. D.'s hand-bill was destroyed there. I told 
Reynolds he must fight the battle more bravely, or he 
would be an object of contempt deservedly; and he has 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 519 

agreed to publish a hand-bill, written by Ford and myself 
for him. I think you will approve of the manner in which 
3'our name is used. We have made him put a coal on 
Lockwood's back, and if you should put another by stat- 
ing, which I believe is the truth, that Wilson, Lockwood, 
and all the names of those who recommended the Fields, 
Duncan, and party proves corruption in yoti, because you 
appointed these men. Lockwood made Abner clerk, and 
Wilson recommended him, and I believe Jo. Duncan did. 
Make all these men bear their share of the load ; the facts 
you can get. We will force Lockwood to justify himself 
to the people. We must make Wilson and Lockwood and 
their friends fight with us. They shall not be indifferent 
any longer, and hold themselves like Pope, ready to dine 
with our enemies whilst our slain carcasses are yet bleed- 
ing. Embroil every man of them in the contest. Reyn- 
olds will call upon some twenty men to come on. Ford 
is here. We are going to Vandalia tomorrow or next day 
to attend the court, to get the evidence to prove Hall a 
liar, and to call him such in a hand-bill I intend to pub- 
lish to the people. Be not afraid of my heat. I will 
write a good one for effect, but I shall publish Hall a 
base liar and a hired puppy to the world. He will be 
driven to the wall. I want Breese and Cowles to be there. 
I wish you not to say that we are going to Vandalia; we 
want to take them by surprise, and if it is known in Belle- 
ville it will be known in Vandalia. Reynolds now expects 
you to come out, and so does everybody. Could you 
write without attacking Kane, would it not be better? If 
you can whip his forces by killing off his generals, is it 



520 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

not the safest way to whip him too? Fix it so as to force 
him to attack as Duncan has done. They intend to have 
him in the scales. Give him no excuse to say he has been 
dragged into it. They will drag him in. You know best. 

Yours sincerely, 

George Forquer. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, June 27, 1830. 
Dear Sir: — My last letter informed you of the promise 
of Mr. March to purchase in St. Louis, and forward to us 
at this place, ten reams of paper, in order to enable us to 
complete the year of our publication. The boat in which 
he went down returned with one ream only, the reason of 
which I am unacquainted. Cooper, too, our journeyman, 
such as he was, went down to St. Louis, promising to 
return in the same boat, but has not done so in that or 
any other. For the last twenty days my wife has been 
confined to her bed by sickness, and as it was impossible 
to procure a nurse or other help, I have had to stay in 
the house constantly. She is now mending and in a fair 
way of getting well. You will thus see that the printing- 
office has been idle. And though I can myself attend to 
it in future, I do not think it expedient to renew the publi- 
cation for one week only. I had set up five columns of 
extracts from Mr. Pettis' speech during the week. I was 
expecting the arrival of the ten reams of paper and 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 52 1 

Cooper's return. I showed your address to Mr. Mills, 
who proposed to hand it to Mr. Jones for insertion in the 
Miners Journal, which was done, not however without 
some unnecessary remarks from the editor. It appears 
that Jones will not copy your address from the Crisis, as 
it arrived the mail before last, and it did not appear in 
his paper yesterday. The Vandalia paper has taken a 
course it never dared to do before. It remains to be seen 
whether the community will bear them out in it. 

During the time Mr. Rule was here, I inquired of Mr. 
Wm, Smith, a lawyer, if a distress for rent could be 
resorted to in this State, to which he answered that such 
a writ was recognized in our Statute, but that no regula- 
tions respecting it were made. I therefore concluded that 
it would be subject to the same rules as other writs 
respecting the trial of the right of property. On Friday 
last I was informed by Dr. Newhall that a writ to distrain 
the printing materials was made out at Mr. Meeker's 
office. I immediately went to Mr. Mills, the attorney of 
Scott and Rule, and represented the case to him. He 
admitted my construction of the law as to the right of 
contesting the right of property, and said that for my 
sake and for yourself, from whom he had received many 
benefits, he would release the printing materials from the 
operation of the writ, although it was contrary to his 
instructions. From general incidents in this affair, I am 
persuaded that Dr. Philleo is at the bottom of it, and that 
it was arranged by him with Mr. Rule, before the latter 
went home. But I have had the good fortune to defeat 
his project. Mr. Mills did go to the magistrate, and so 



522 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

altered the writ as to release the printing materials. Dr. 
Newhall had previously removed his books to get them 
out of the way of an execution against him, and nothing 
remained but their medicine bottles, &c, and Dr. P.'s 
library, the latter of which only was levied on, as it was 
supposed to be sufficient to cover the amount, $60. This 
amount is for the last six months' rent ; for the first half- 
year, Scott & Rule have our joint note for $60, which, I 
expect, will be sued immediately. Mills advised Rule 
when here that, having taken our note, he had lost his 
remedy by distress. Hence the waiting till after the 20th 
inst, the date of the lease. Mills then called on Philleo 
for the rent, and told him what his instructions were. P. 
told him to take the printing materials, as they were the 
property of the firm. The building we rent has three 
rooms, all fronting the street. One end is occupied by 
the printing-office, the other by the medicine shop, and 
the middle room as the counting-house, in which the 
book-cases were kept. I did not hear of the writ till 
Friday evening. On the morning previous the middle- 
room door was locked and the key taken away; the 
windows were also nailed. I inquired of Dr. Newhall 
the cause, but he could not tell. But when I heard of 
the writ, I understood the matter; there was nothing in 
the room but P.'s library. When the constable came yes- 
terday morning, I run my arm through a broken pane of 
glass, took out the nail, opened the window, and let him 
in; he took an inventory of the books, and carried them 
away. So you see it is a clear case of the biter bit. I 
shall tell Dr. P. the first time I converse with him that if 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 523 

he expects the press subject in any way to the payment 
of our debts, he will find himself mistaken. P. knows 
nothing of you in it. He thinks I am the owner, and that 
I have some one to cover it for me. I sometime ago 
made Dr. Newhall acquainted with its situation. 

My situation individually is a little better than it was 
when I wrote to you on the 29th ult. I have found means 
to get a new barrel of flour — and I have got my cow up 
from Springfield, whose milk, with the bread we make, is 
nearly all our living. I had the good luck yesterday to 
get an order on a store for a few dollars' worth of goods 
— but I have not received the amount of one dollar in 
money since the first of April. I have been trying to get 
the amount for advertising the canal lands into my hands, 
but it is uncertain whether I will succeed, as I find that Dr. 
P. has been trying to get it, but in what way I have not 
learned. It amounts to $42, and if I had it it would be 
a great relief — for, independent of the want of necessaries 
for my family, having bought no clothes for about 18 
months, I have become quite shabby. 

I expected a letter from you by last evening's mail, con- 
taining some advise relative to our business; but none 
came. I hope it will not long be delayed. 

I am respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

H. Warren. 

P. S. — On bringing the foregoing to the P.-O., I found 
your letter of the 6th inst. It was mislaid last night, so 
that I did not get it before. I will go to work on your 
address in hand-bills; but the Crisis did not arrive by last 
mail, so that only the first part is here. I wish I knew 



524 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

whether you wanted any of them sent down to St. Louis 
for you. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 

Springfield, June 30, 1830. 
DEAR Sir: — All yours have been received, and I can 
at present only say that I am sorry I ever gave my 
opinion to you, for it is but too plain that you feel as if 
your friends had deserted you, and because perhaps I 
was wrong. If so, it was thro' the error of the most sin- 
cere and grateful friendship. You will see by our paper 
that there are three men in our party who have some 
courage. I should be surprised, tho', if the cowardice 
which has marked our party would make 'many of our 
men, most prominent, to be among the first to censure 
what we have done. I have long since seen that if I 
defended myself against the Duncans, that our friends 
stood ready to censure it; but I am now determined to 
consider all, who do not excuse and justify what we have 
done, to be our enemies. That family of rascals shall not 
by themselves and their hirelings destroy the little char- 
acter we have earned by the sweat of our brows. The 
truth is, our friends should everywhere back us by echoing 
the warwhoop throughout the State. It would be like the 
shout of victory, and would animate our friends who are 
getting under cover by the daring of the other side. All 
our papers should cry out in tones of defiance. I think 



LETTER OF GEORGE FORQUER. 525 

every man who is before the people as candidate, and has 
been attacked, should come out with name in tones of 
thunder. This would stun the other side, and strike terror 
to their hearts. I wish you to show this to Mr. Cowles. 
I have not time to write to both. I have written more 
than 20 letters today. GEORGE FORQUER. 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville. 111. 






CHAPTER XXXIII. 

Letter of Hooper Warren ; disappointed in not receiving printing- 
paper ; reprinting Reynolds' handbills; Judge Young organizes 
Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties; Rock Island County 
to be organized next session; "any port in a storm"; ill-luck 
still pursuing him ; letter of Gov. Edwards to his two brothers ; 
suggestion as to writing about slavery ; strange defection of 
the Methodists in Madison County ; they are more afraid of 
Kinney than any five men in the State ; has advanced more 
money than all Reynolds' friends put together; makes sugges- 
tion as to conducting the canvass ; advises that Judge Smith 
be consulted; "too great a variety of matter weakens the effect 
of all " ; letter of Hooper Warren ; result of the election for 
governor in Jo Daviess County ; what was done before the 
election; "base electioneering ribaldry of J. W. Stephenson and 
Dr. Philleo"; Col. Wight believed to be elected to the senate; 
getting out the last handbill; Galena depopulating every day; 
a livery-stable keeper proposes to run a light wagon for passen- 
gers to Chicago ; account of a visit to Gen. Mc Arthur at Chillicothe 
to see about land-warrant; letter of Elias Kent Kane; wants the 
letter of Gov. Edwards in relation to the slavery of persons of 
color held in Illinois previous to 1787; letter of John Reynolds, 
written after his election as governor ; suggestions as to print- 
ers ; Warren doing nothing ; Galena no place at all, as low 
price of lead has ruined the country; $450 or $500 too much 
to pay for a house in Belleville; letter of A. P. Field; Kane 
electioneering with all his ingenuity ; wants to know whether 
Reynolds will continue him as secretary of state; much grati- 
fied that " our friends " have triumphed by so large a vote. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. $2? 

LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, July 4th, 1830. 

DEAR Sir: — Yours of the 23d ult. is received. It was 
probably written under the information contained in mine 
of — , in which I stated the probability of the Galena 
Advertiser being continued till after the election. My 
last, however, will have informed you of Mr. March's 
disappointing us in his engagement respecting paper, and 
that no more would be printed, probably under the pre- 
sent organization of the establishment; and there is no 
prospect at present, of a new one. 

I have set in type the first part of your address, and 
was waiting to receive the balance. I shall this week take 
this, and with your last address in the Democrat, make 
up a handbill; after which, if I can spare time from my 
family, I will reprint some of Judge Reynolds' last hand- 
bills (dated in Schuyler Co.), which I have just seen, and 
am much pleased with, as admirably well calculated to 
subserve our cause. 

I regret most sincerely the "timidity" of some of our 
friends, in co-operating with you; and deprecate the afflic- 
tion you met with, in the disease of your eyes, which at 
this juncture, is a great misfortune. 

Judge Young has just returned from his circuit. He is 
equally sanguine with yourself respecting the result of the 
election. He has organized three counties in the Bounty 
lands, viz.: Knox, McDonough, and Warren. In the two 
latter he has made but temporary appointments of clerks. 
He says McDonough has the most population, and proba- 



528 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

bly will continue to have, owing to every part of it being 
susceptible of cultivation. A Mr. McNeill is the person 
appointed clerk pro tern, in Warren, and has a recommen- 
dation from several citizens of the county for the office 
permanently. But the Judge says he has no doubt, if I 
wish to take it, that he can satisfy McNeill by appointing 
him to some other county. He is however decidedly of 
opinion that I had not better go there; that the county to 
be formed opposite Rock Island will be far preferable, 
both as it respects business, and the situation of the 
country for residence; that from information obtained 
during his absence, he believed the county to be formed 
embracing the mouth of Fox River, on the canal tract, 
would be the best in the whole State, and the most 
speedily valuable of any of the new counties. Upon my 
suggesting that it was necessary for me to choose the 
place in which I could soonest settle myself advanta- 
geously, he observed that neither of the new counties 
in the military tract could afford me any considerable 
support for at least two years; that no courts would be 
held in them till next fall (I understood him the fall of 
183 1) for at the first going round he should do nothing 
but receive the bonds of the officers, &c. He said there 
was no doubt of the county about Rock Island being 
organized next session, as there are now more inhabitants 
there than in either of those he has just organized, and 
they have to come 100 miles to this place for justice, and 
he concluded by advising me to take the circuit of the 
whole this summer and fall, and choose for myself from 
personal observation. With this suggestion I have no 
means of complying. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 529 

I begin to think it may be well for me to distrust my 
own judgment, and pay more regard to yours respecting 
my movements. Had I heeded your suggestions five 
years ago, respecting the probability of my success in 
Cincinnati, I might at this time have been in good cir- 
cumstances. But it is too late to mend that matter. I 
am now in the situation of the sailor: "Any port in a 
storm," and must therefore choose the place in which I 
can most readily make a living. If you think Warren 
the best for that purpose, I will go thither. My ambition 
is moderate; with a small piece of land I could support 
my family with but little emolument from office. Judge 
Young spoke of you making your appointments pro tern., 
but as they at any rate will hold but to the end of the 
next session, there would be but little use in doing so. 

My wife has mainly recovered from her late sickness; 
but she is afflicted with the dropsy, in her feet and legs, 
so that it is extremely difficult for her to get about the 
house. Dr. N. however thinks it is only the consequence 
of her weak state, and that as she gains strength, she will 
recover. In one of my late letters, I thought the circum- 
stance of getting my cow from Springfield, of sufficient 
importance to mention it to you, as on her I depended 
principally for a subsistence. As ill-luck would have it, 
she. the past week took sick and died, supposed from lick- 
ing mineral poison about a furnace. I must make a des- 
perate effort to raise funds to purchase another; but there 
is but little probability of succeeding. Nobody owes us 
that will pay a debt if they can help it; and I have heard 
nothing from Dr. Jayne, to whom I sent the account for 
34 



530 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

advertising the canal lands. I send a duplicate by this 

mail. 

I will write to my friend Mr. Tillson for information 

respecting the extent of the Recording business in Warren 

county. That for non-residents is principally under his 

control, and I understand it is optional with holders to 

record either at Vandalia or in the county. If this be the 

case, I think I could procure all within Mr. T.'s agency. 

Your friend, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR EDWARDS TO 
CYRUS AND B. F. EDWARDS. 

Belleville, 15 July, 1830. 

Dear BROTHERS: — It is very unfortunate that Judge 
Smith overlooked and left in the saddle-bags a letter that 
Mr. Cowles and myself wrote him. Among other things, 
I informed him how Reynolds could get money, &c. The 
main object, however, was to ascertain whether he would 
be willing for us to write about slavery, &c. His recent 
course toward me had been so satisfactory that I did not 
like to do anything that would be disagreeable to him. 
For my own part, I see no reason for his objection; but I 
wished him to say so himself. 

We have bad news from some parts of the South, and 
our friends from different places think the contest will be 
closer than has been supposed. There is a strange defec- 



LETTER OF NINIAN EDWARDS. 531 

tion among the Methodists of this county, and, it is feared, 
elsewhere. It is so recent that we know not how to 
account for it, nor what its extent. We have no way of 
controlling it but by awakening their apprehensions about 
slavery, and so their most friendly leaders think. They 
would control them if they could. They are more afraid 
of Kinney on the subject of slavery than any five men in 
the State. This subject may be made to do much good, 
and will not lose us a vote. It would have a powerful 
effect on Montgomery, Shelby, Mercer, and all the 
northern counties. I know it would contribute much to 
objects that the Judge is extremely anxious for. I sus- 
pect some of the effects that I have alluded to, in regard 
to the Methodists, must have been produced by Mr. 
Blackwell; but we know not how. 

Inclosed are two pieces, if Smith has no objection and 
will have them made into a handbill, with Hill's and 
Hacker's letters, and it be concluded to give them exten- 
sive circulation. I will either pay $15 toward the expense 
or procure sufficient money for Reynolds, which I can do 
by going his security and giving 12^4 pei* cent interest. 
I have already advanced more money than all Reynolds' 
friends together, though they do not seem to know it. 
Being "hors dc combat" myself, all I do has exclusive 
regard to my friends. There is no claim upon me for 
anything, nor would I do anything under such a supposi- 
tion. 

It is now time to fix upon and press certain points 
exclusively upon the people — too great a variety of 
matter weakens the effect of all. Consult Judge Smith 



532 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

upon what I have suggested. If he approves, I will do 
as I have said. If not, I will have nothing more to do 
with the election, for I am satisfied, and that is enough 
for me, that I have done my part. My own judgment 
highly approves of such a handbill as I have suggested, 
and, therefore, I would like to support it. But I am per- 
fectly willing for every one to judge for himself. If my 
plan is not heartily acceptable, you will return me the 
inclosed, and say nothing more about the matter. 

Affectionately, 

N. Edwards. 
Messrs. Cyrus and B. F. Edwards, 

Edwardsville. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, August 8, 1830. 
Dear Sir: — The election in this county has resulted 
as follows: Reynolds, 310; Kinney, 152; Wright, 251; 
Teel, 178. No excitement was produced here until two 
weeks previous to the election, when Kinney's friends 
began to rally themselves. I saw their exertions, and 
felt mortified that no corresponding efforts were being 
made on our side. I mentioned the circumstance to 
Judge Young, who agreed with me that something ought 
to be done; and referring to several pieces in the Kaskas- 
kia paper relative to Duncan and the Bank, and others, 
he observed that he wished they were circulated in this 
county. I offered to print them in handbills, and re- 
quested him to make the selections. He said he would 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 533 

look over the papers, and if he thought it worth while he 
would let me know at night — at which time, having con- 
sidered the subject, he concluded it was not expedient to 
print a handbill. A day or two after he called on me 
and said he thought it would have a good effect to print 
the proceedings of all the Jackson meetings in the State, 
nominating Reynolds. I accordingly hunted up the old 
papers and made the selection, to which were added 
M'Donough's, Bowling Green's, and Campbell's pieces, 
with introductions. The week preceding the election, 
I printed two other handbills, selected from different 
papers. On Sunday last I printed a handbill, which 
was circulated all over the county before seven o'clock 
the next morning, containing Hamilton's publication in 
the Springfield paper, with the statement of Mr. Brooks 
and the certificates of T. W. Smith and others, relative 
to the forgery. The Miners Journal, of Saturday before 
the election,* contained Bledsoe's publication, and was 
otherwise filled with base electioneering ribaldry, from 
the pens of J. W. Stephenson and Dr. Philleo. I was 
surprised to learn that the former, during the latter part 
of the campaign, made a bug-a-boo of your name like 
some other folks, and asserted that you brought out 
Wright for the purpose of defeating him. His recent 
appointment to the clerkship of this county gave him an 
undue influence among certain big men here. Among 
those was Major Campbell, the assistant-superintendent, 
whom he turned from Reynolds to Kinney by assuring 
him that Reynolds would oppose the resolution of Kane. 
In like manner he turned Mr. Meeker (a Kinney man) 



534 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

from the support of Wright to that of Teel. The reso- 
lution of Kane was made the test of the representative 
throughout this county, and, as far as I can learn, through- 
out the district. It is believed, however, that Wright is 
elected. 

To get out the last handbill in time, on Sunday last, I 
procured the assistance of Jones' journeyman, and paid 
him $1.50 out of my own pocket. It was promised to be 
refunded the next day by contribution, but only fifty cents 
of it has been made. This was all the money I had to 
swear by, and the last of $25 which I received from Dr. 
Jayne, out of which sum I paid $18 for a cow. As to the 
other printing, no one has offered to pay me a cent. I 
printed 500 of your addresses, a copy of which I sent 
you by mail. I sent 225 copies down the river in a 
steamboat and 175 by the stage to Peoria. The remain- 
der were distributed in this county. Your handbills 
consumed just half of the paper you sent. The balance 
I used in printing the other bills. 

The ill-health of my wife and infant child requires me 
to spend a large portion of my time in the house. I 
have, therefore, made but little progress in packing the 
printing materials. It is a larger job than I anticipated. 
The type will not be safe, either for moving or storage, 
unless set up in pages, as they came from the foundry, 
and put up in boxes. After this is done, if I receive no 
order from you to the contrary, I shall have them stored. 

This place is depopulating every day. A great many 
are thinking of moving to the canal tract, so much so that 
a livery-stable keeper here will start this week to Chicago 



LETTER OF HOOPERS WARREN. 535 

with a light wagon and passengers, and intends to run it 
regularly. 

I observe in the National Journal a notice of the Gen- 
eral Land Office, of the 26th June, concerning "an act for 
the relief of officers and soldiers of the Virginia Line," &c. 
It is probably in the Telegraph. Will you do me the 
favor to examine it carefully, and ascertain if it applies 
to the tract set apart between the Little Miami and Scioto 
rivers. It appears to me from the reading that it does; 
and, if so, it will afford me not only relief in my present 
condition, but enable me to make you some compensation 
for what you have done for me. Mr. Cook, by whose 
advice I purchased the claim of Mrs. Stephenson, recom- 
mends me to go to Gen. M'Arthur at Chillicothe (to 
whom he gave me a letter of introduction) for advice 
relative to its location or sale. The act for the relief of 
Benjamin Stephenson passed in 1822, while you were a 
member, and you, of course, probably have the law. I 
had no copy of it to show Gen. Mc'A., but from my 
description of it, he said the act of Congress was perfectly 
useless, as the original law provided for the issuing of 
duplicates where the original warrants were lost or 
destroyed, as in the case of the person under whom 
Stephenson claimed; that all warrants were directed to 
the surveyor (Col. Anderson, near Louisville, Ky.), that he 
did not think the surveyor could proceed under that act 
(for the relief of Stephenson) to locate the land, He 
told me that every acre on the tract fit for cultivation 
was taken up; that he had known no sales for twelve 
months, and the last that were made were for 12^ cents 



53 6 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

an acre; and he showed me a map in his office in which 
the number of every warrant that had been issued was 
either written or printed as they were located, and the 
whole map was perfectly full of them, except in some 
places on the Ohio, which he said were knobs. I then 
returned to Cincinnati, and, before I left that place, 
assigned Mrs. Stephenson's deed to Mr. Starr, who in his 
last letter to me, about a year and a half ago, said he 
would use it as I directed. It appears from the instruc- 
tions of Mr. Graham that no transfer can be made after 
the passage of the act (May 30, 1830); the script would, 
therefore, have to be obtained in the name of Mr. Starr, 
otherwise I would propose to put it into your hands. 
I am, sir, yours truly, 

H. Warren. 
His Excellency Gov. EDWARDS, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF ELIAS KENT KANE.* 

Kaskaskia, Aug'st 31st, 1830. 
Dear Sir: — Some two years ago I rec'd from you a 
letter containing some new and striking views of the 
question now pending before the Sup. Court, U. S., in 
relation to the slavery of persons of colour (and their 
progeny) held in Illinois previous to '8?. I supposed I 
had taken this letter to Washington last winter, but upon 
examination could not find it. Since my return home, I 

* It is much to be regretted that this letter of Governor Edwards, of which 
Mr. Kane speaks, is not at hand. The views of so able a man as Governor 
Edwards on that subject would be very interesting. 



LETTER OF ELIAS KENT KANE. 537 

have examined every paper in my possession to find it, 

but in vain. It has been lost, by my lending it to some 

friend (perhaps Judge Young) to read. May I ask of you 

the favour, as it is a matter in which I learn you have an 

interest, to repeat to me the views you have taken upon 

the question. The case is at the head of the docket of 

the Sup. Court, and will be argued at the commencement 

of the next term. Yours truly, 

E. K. Kane. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR REYNOLDS.* 

Clear Lake, io Sept., 1830. 

Dear Sir: — Since I saw you, I think Mr. Warren, the 
printer, ought to pass this winter at Springfield with 
Meredith, and join in the printing. Warren, I hear, is 
doing nothing where he is. I will see Meredith on the 
subject. He wants help, and W. is the man. If Brooks 
and Fleming can succeed, and join at Vandalia, then the 
place for Warren is Belleville, as there will be an opening. 
Galena is no place at all, as the low price of lead has 
ruined that county for the present. 

I would suggest to you the propriety to write to Mr. 
Warren to join Meredith for this winter, and then to settle 
in Belleville, if Brooks and Fleming can be elected public 
printers. 

* This letter of John Reynolds was written after his election as governor. 
It seems that he then contemplated taking up his residence in Belleville, but 
was discouraged at the amount of money that it would take to build a brick- 
house — $450 or $500. 



53§ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I understand that a house, such as yours, of brick can 

be built for $450 or $500. I can not, because I will not 

be more embarrassed than I am, give such high prices for 

a residence in Belleville as the people there ask. I will 

again, before I give up the scheme, go and see you and 

others on the house subject. I do not want one lower 

than a fair price. Your obe'nt serv't, 

John Reynolds. 
Governor N. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD.* 

JONESBORO', Sept. 17th, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — Mr. Kane has been with us for a day, 
electioneering with all his ingenuity. He is no doubt 
very much alarmed, and appears from his conduct to 
believe that his success is extremely uncertain. I think 
our Rep. will be against him. 

I am anxious to know whether Reynolds is willing to 
continue me as secretary. I am confident that he has no 
power to appoint any person without my resigning. I 
believe the principle has been settled in the case of For- 
quer, that the officer is not at the pleasure of the Gov. 
Let me hear from you on the subject. 

I am much gratified to learn that our friends have 
triumphed by so large a vote. And if things are man- 

* Mr. Field was made secretary of state during the administration of Gov. 
Edwards in 1828. He held the office until November 30th, 1840, and until 
removed by judicial proceedings. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 539 

aged well we will be able to succeed at the next Legis- 
lature. 

I am still unwell, but hope to be able by winter to 
attend to my public duties. I would be glad to hear 
from you as soon as is convenient. 

Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, Illinois.. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

Letter of Hooper Warren about the sale of the printing-material of 
the "Galena Advertiser"; whole family taken down with ague 
and fever ; recommends legal proceedings against Newhall, 
Philleo, and company; Dr. Newhall to go as a surgeon to Fort 
Winnebago; letter of Sidney Breese; his misgivings in regard 
to Judge Smith; Smith hand and glove with Kane after saying 
that he (Smith) had acted "like a dirty dog"; determined to make 
Gov. Reynolds choose between Smith and himself; Smith for 
himself first, then for Kane; can not plan, but can aid in exe- 
cuting; thinks Reynolds can be compelled to take sides; the 
"Crisis" to be proved a liar; letter of A. P. Field; promises 
to go to Vandalia; hopes some arrangements can be made to 
beat Kane ; letter of Duff Green ; Crawford and some of his 
followers playing off a deep game ; the veto alarming the per- 
sonal adherents of Gen. Jackson; believed Gen. Jackson will be 
a candidate for re-election ; " our friends " in the South have 
played a foolish part on the tariff, and Calhoun suffers; appoint- 
ments in Illinois a source of much anxiety to him ; Fleming 
as destitute of sense as of principle; Gov. John Pope of Arkan- 
sas fulfilling his anticipations; if he meddles with small things, 
he must leave the territory in disgrace ; warned him against 
his fall and protested against his going to Arkansas. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 

Galena, Sept. 19th, 1830. 
Dear Sir: — Maj. Wm. Campbell has proposed to pur- 
chase your printing materials here. He spoke to me on the 
subject the former part of last week, and inquired the price. 
I told him the sum they had been twice sold for, $1000, 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 541 

and the additions that had been made. Presuming that 
more could not be got, I proposed that sum as the least I 
could name. He took time to consult a friend (I suppose 
Col. Wight), and informed me yesterday that he had 
been told that a press and type sufficient for a newspaper 
could be bought in Cincinnati for $400. I tried to con- 
vince him of the value of these materials, and what kind 
of an office could be had for the price he mentioned, viz.: 
a press and one fount of long primer type sufficient to 
print a small sized paper, and that when he had moved 
them hither, with the joiner's work and other costs that 
would be necessary to put them in operation, would 
amount to at least two hundred dollars more. Further, 
that when a fount of brevier, and other small founts of 
head lines, such as antique and broad faced capitals, which 
would be necessary to print a respectable paper, together 
with the different founts of job type, were taken into 
consideration, the price asked by me for this press would 
not be deemed high. He, however, said I must come 
down considerably before he could purchase. I told him 
I could not name a less sum without consulting the owner. 
He proposes to pay part down, the balance in six and 
twelve months. You will, therefore, be pleased to let me 
know as soon as possible the lowest price you are willing 
to take, and to send me a transfer (in blank) of Mr. Cook's 
sale to you, as well as the bill of materials purchased by 
Mr. Lane. 

From your last letter, you have doubtless expected the 
press would have been sent to St. Louis before this time; 
but the sickness of myself and family has prevented it. 



54 2 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Immediately after the date of my letter to you of the 9th 
ult, my whole family, including myself, were taken down 
with the ague and fever. I recovered in six or eight days, 
but my wife has continued sick most of the time since, as 
also my second son. But for the last two weeks a relapse 
has taken place, and my wife and three children have 
the ague and fever every day. This has required all my 
attention in the house, as no assistance can be had. 

There were thirty-two cases of type to be set up, being 
the same work as if it were for printing; and on an aver- 
age each case is a day and a half's work for a journeyman. 
I have set out 25 cases. The remaining, however, are 
some of the lightest, and I could finish them in less than 
a week if I could attend to it. 

It may be well for you to make out your bill against 
Newhall, Philleo & Co. for the use of your press and 
materials for a year. I think $150 would be low enough 
to charge. By employing Mr. Mills or some other lawyer 
to collect it, with directions to sue in time for trial at next 
court, you would stand a chance to recover the amount, 
that is if Philleo has not sold or shall not sell before judg- 
ment could be had, his land in the Bounty Tract, of which 
he owned last winter, as he informed me, 15 or' 20 quarters. 
He employed W. H. Brown to pay the taxes last year, 
and he sold a quarter last May or June lying in Schuyler 
County for $120. I paid Meredith $24.40 for the new 
materials he put into the office at Springfield, which, 
together with what type I purchased at St. Louis with my 
own money, amounts to near $40. This may go towards 
the use of the office in Springfield. But Philleo purchased 






LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 543 

a large steamboat plate and a cut for a bill of lading, 
which cost $5 ; a new bank (the high table on which the 
paper is put while it is working at press) and a lye trough 
were bought here, the cost of which I do not know, but 
probably not more than $10 — making $15, which it would 
be proper to give credit for, and deduct from the $150. 

I hope you will not fail to let me hear from you by the 
first mail after the arrival of this. 

I am respectfully, your friend and servant, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. Edwards. 

P.S. — Since the purchase of type from Keemle, the price 
has fallen at the foundries 20 per cent; long primer, 
which was sold for 50 cents a pound is now sold for 40 — 
and all other type in proportion. You will take this into 
consideration in fixing on your price. 

Dr. Newhall leaves here in a few days on an engage- 
ment for six months as surgeon at Fort Winnebago. The 
surgeon there going eastward during the winter. 

H. W. 



LETTER OF SIDNEY BREESE. 

Kaskaskia, Sept. 2 1 st, 1830. 
Governor N. Edwards. 

Dear Sir: — I return you my sincere thanks for your 
letters by Don Morrison. The article in the Democrat 
was prepared before I received them, and is as temperate 
as I could write under all the circumstances. I had my 
misgivings while Smith was here at court and had you 
not been apparently so averse to talking on such subjects 



544 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

when I was at B'ville I should have told you all about 
them. Suffice it to say for the present, that he was " hand 
and glove" with Kane while here and staid two nights at 
his house, and this too, when he knew from me that Kane 
had said he had acted " like a dirty dog" in the West 
affair. * * * 

As to the proposed union of Fleming and Brooks, after 
what has happened, I am decidedly against it, nor shall 
my type ever print a word in favor of Van Buren, Pro- 
scription, or against Internal Improvements and the Tariff. 
I cut all such company. I shall make the remarks in your 
letters the subject of an article or two for the next Demo- 
crat. You complain that your opinions are disregarded. 
Not by me certainly. You seemed to be averse to talk on 
such subjects when I saw you and I therefore did not 
broach them. I went into a full explanation with Cowles 
and told him frankly what I thought Smith's course would 
be. If I continue engaged in politics, I am determined to 
make Gov. Reynolds choose between Smith and myself, in 
other words between the Crisis and Democrat. Reynolds 
I can not believe will countenance or encourage these 
attacks upon me and our friends.. It is to them he owes 
his election and he knows it. I believe sincerely that I 
have more friends among the "Reynolds men" than S. and 
I shall, if things go on as they have commenced put their 
friendship to the test. I ought not to be, and will not be 
without a struggle, sacrificed for him. He has had it long 
in contemplation to bring over the State thro' his sup- 
posed influence with R. to Van Buren. I told R. so when 
I saw him, but there is no danger. R. will be firm I think. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 545 

S. is for himself first, then for Kane and so I have told my 
friends. 

I am much engaged at present preparing the reports for 
the press, and am about starting on the Southern Circuit. 
I shall have one of my free and friendly conversations 
with Judge Browne on all these matters. He will be 
much mortified at the course things are taking. I would 
take it as a very great favor, if you would prepare one of 
your articles for the press, on these matters. You have 
the whole subject in your grasp, and I believe more 
leisure, and I know infinitely more ability than myself, 
to make these things plain to all. Do give your views of 
them, editorially, thro me, in the Democrat. There is one 
remark in one of your letters which I wish much you 
would amplify. It is this: "What would you think of 
the double motive of rivalry, and a disposition to conci- 
liate one of your most potent enemies?" I do not entirely 
understand what you mean and would be much obliged to 
you, if you would go a little into detail. In that, I shall 
like your views in full upon these matters. What course 
would you advise me to take? What can I, or my friends 
do, to avail anything? I can not plan, but I can aid in 
executing. You can not charge me with "undervaluing" 
your opinions or with estimating lightly your judgment, 
nor have I ever considered your advice as obtrusive. 

Fleming is already threatened with the loss of the 
public printing for his remarks about "Rotation in office." 
The Crisis will get it, that is a part of the plan. F. must 
be made public printer, or Grant, I care not which. The 
Crisis has certainly declared ever against the Reynolds 
35 



546 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

party, and as such I can not, as / have not given it any 
support. I will write to Judge Reynolds about these 
things and I think he can be compelled to take sides. I 
shall also publish his sentiments more at large, about 
Removals and Internal Improvements. They shall be 
known, and the Crisis be proved a liar. I will write you 
again. In the mean time let me hear from you. 
Your friend, sincerely, 

Sidney Breese. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 

JONESBORO', September 24th, 1830. 
DEAR Gov.: — Your very friendly letter of the 16th 
inst. has been duly received, and I do assure you that 
if it is in my power I will be at Vandalia by the 4th or 
5th of October. Our Courts have commenced, and I 
am necessarily compelled to attend to them. However,, 
if I can I will go to Vandalia and remain there a few 
days, and return to our Court, which commences on the 
1 8th of October. You say that my continuance in office 
depends upon my future attention to business. I hope 
that the business has been conducted well, and will in 
future be strictly attended to by myself or competent 
clerk. Mr. Posey has informed me that the office is in 
first-rate order, and that himself and you have harmon- 
ised well. I am much gratified, indeed, to hear that Mr. 
Thompson is warmly my friend. He is a man for whom I 
have the highest regard. I am much in hopes that we 
can make some arrangement this winter to beat Kane, 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 547 

which I think can be done by a union of our friends. 

Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 
P.S. — Our mutual friend Doctor Priestley intends to 
offer for Treasurer of the State, and I have no doubt 
his prospects are very flattering. The Dr. has been a 
thorough going friend of Judge Reynolds, and every con- 
fidence can be placed in his character for talents and 
integrity. You will please write to me on the subject. 

A. P. Field. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Washington, October 8th, 1830. 

(CONFIDENTIAL). 

Dear Sir: — Scarce a day has passed since the adjourn, 
of the late session of Congress that I have not resolved 
to write to you relative to passing events and the prospect 
for the future, but great events and combinations have 
traced each other with such rapidity that I could scarce 
record one before another was in its place. 

Your old friend Crawford and some of his followers 
have been playing of! a deep game, and a powerful com- 
bination, headed by his active partisans, are paving the 
way for the elevation of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency. 
That influence has made a covert war upon me, and 
nothing but the power of my press and the force of my 
position has maintained me thus far. Van Buren has 



548 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

acted through Major Eaton upon the President. His 
desire for successful diplomacy, and the effect which the 
advantageous arrangement of our foreign relations will 
have on him, all combine to place him more and more 
under that influence. 

The veto had the effect of alarming the personal 
adherents of Gen. Jackson. They (some of them) believed 
that it would injure him and felt the necessity of rallying 
on my paper for protection. I have done my duty 
faithfully, and they will find it difficult to make open 
war upon me. I shall be warmly sustained by Calhoun 
and McLean, and I believe that Van Buren is too 
cautious to oppose my re-election as printer to Congress 
— one other term and I am safe as to pecuniary affairs. 
I intend to sustain the administration, support the re- 
election of Gen. Jackson, and' maintain such relation to 
Calhoun, Van Buren and McLean that neither of them 
can assail me without assailing the liberty of the press 
and the usages and principles of the Republican party. 
If either assail me it shall be because I have refused to 
become a partisan. I believe that Gen. Jackson will be 
a candidate for re-election. An attempt will be made 
to prevent Mr. Calhoun's running as Vice-President. 
I fear that Col. Drayton will be put in nomination. He 
and Livingstone and Cambreleng were much together last 
year. Our friends in the South have played a foolish 
part on the tariff, and Calhoun suffers. His own State 
will desert him. The appointments in your State have 
been the source of much anxiety to me. I could not 
control them, and I regret to find that Fleming, who 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 549 

never had any principle, and is as destitute of sense as 
of principle, is breaking ground against the appointments, 
and in favor of Mr. Clay's system of internal improve- 
ments. This charged to you, and will be made to act 
on me here. 

I see that John Pope is fulfilling my anticipation in 
Arkansas. He cannot stand it if he meddles with small 
matters, and must leave the Territory in disgrace. I told 
him so. I warned him of his fate and protested against 
his going to Arkansas. 

Your sister was yesterday confined with our fifth 

daughter. It is a fine child and she promises to do 

well. She joins me in love to you and Mrs. Edwards. 

Your afif. relation, 

D. Green. 
Gov. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 

P.S. — Mr. Marcy sent you the doc. relative to the 
Bank. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

Letter of David J. Baker; will be "highly gratified by a trip to Wash- 
ington in the character of senator"; if appointed, "will repair to 
the post in time"; letter of Duff Green; thinks Mr. Kane will 
take an active part against him; project on foot to drive Ing- 
ham and Branch from the cabinet; advice as to the course Gov. 
Edwards should pursue ; predicts an explosion in the cabinet, 
shaking Gen. Jackson's popularity to its foundation; the repre- 
sentation from Illinois should be united ; letter of Hooper War- 
ren ; negotiations about sale of the newspaper -establishment; 
Col. Wight and J. W. Stephenson attempt to form an associa- 
tion to buy the paper ; Major Campbell and Col. Wight going 
to Washington; doomed to stay in Galena another winter; has 
fixed on Chicago or its neighborhood as his future residence; 
wants influence of Gov. Edwards in favor of Mr. Mills for 
judge ; a high compliment paid to Mills ; Philleo has got a 
"new gig and goes to Vandalia with the rest"; letters of David 
J. Baker; acknowledges the receipt of his appointment as sena- 
tor, and is admitted and qualified; Roberts writing letters to in- 
jure Gov. Edwards for having appointed him senator; an appoint- 
ment to the Indian agency; Kane to be numbered among Gov. 
Edwards' friends ; Joe Duncan and Kane not friendly at all ; 
Kane and himself go to see Mr. Ingham on the subject of the 
renomination of McKee for the land -office at Edwardsville ; 
letter of Elias Kent Kane in relation to a conversation with 
Duff Green; Mr. Baker, Governor Edwards' appointee for U. S. 
senator, behaves with prudence and like a man of good sense ; 
brief sketch of Elias Kent Kane; letter of Judge McLean; con- 
gratulates Gov. Edwards upon the reappointment of McKee; 
sad forebodings of the dissolution of the Union ; the political 
horizon at this place is overcast ; selfish considerations have 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER. 55 I 

too much influence in our public measures; wants to see the 
public mind tranquilized by acts of moderation and patriotism 
on all sides; enunciation of sound principles; the government 
•established for the people and the officers of the government 
should never forget that they are the agents for the people; 
what Col. Benton once said in relation to members of Congress 
and officials at Washington. 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER * 

Kaskaskia, Nov. 1st, 1830. 
DEAR Sir: — On my return home last night, Mrs. Baker 
handed me the copy of a letter she had ventured in my 
absence to address to you and also your answer, on a sub- 
ject I certainly should have been reluctant to name my- 
self, distrusting as I well may my ability to fulfil the 
important duties of such appointment and believing that, 
if my merits would recommend me as qualified for this or 
any other office, I should not, tho' I were not a formal 
applicant, be overlooked by your Excellency. It may suf- 
fice for me, at this time, to observe that what Mrs. Baker 
has done in this matter without my knowledge meets 
with my entire aprobation and, altho' no aspirant for this 
or any other office. I can not deny that I should be highly 
gratified with a trip to Washington in the character of 
Senator and the thought, which would inspire me with the 
greatest pride and pleasure in that character, would be, 

* This letter is dated on the 1st day of November, 1830, and on the 12th 
of the same month, Mr. Baker was appointed by the governor United States 
senator, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of John McLean. He 
only held the position until his successor, John M. Robinson of Carmi, was 
elected, December nth, 1830. 



552 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

that the honor was conferred on me by a friend deservedly 
honored as an enlightened statesman, admired as an inde- 
pendent politician and esteemed for truth and sincerity in 
his profession of friendship. I doubt with yourself whether 
this temporary situation would be of any real advantage 
to me, still I would accept it and do my best not to dis- 
grace the honorable station. The opinion you are pleased 
to express of my " merits, talents, and firmness," tho' I am 
conscious of being unworthy of it, is certainly very flat- 
tering and, were it to come from almost any other person, 
would be received and treated as merely complimentary. 

To conclude, if the gentleman, to whom you have 
proffered this appointment, should, as you think it not 
improbable he may, decline accepting it, I expect to be 
informed thereof as speedily as may be by express, and, in 
such event, I assure you, I "will repair to the post in 
time." 

Most respectfully, and in the sincerity of friendships 

I am, dear sir, 
Your most devoted and obedient servant, 

David J Baker.. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 

Governor of Illinois, Belleville. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Washington, Nov. 8th, 1830. 
[confidential.] 
Dear Sir: — Yours of the 27th ult. is received. What 
you communicate relative to Mr. Kane is not news to me 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 553 

That he is ultimately to take an active part against me as 
soon as he supposes it to be the particular interest of his 
favorite candidate requires him to do so, I have no doubt. 
I have hoped (but faintly I admit) that future circum- 
stances may control him and those with whom he is dis- 
posed to act so as to prevent a collision which must 
endanger if not overthrow the Republican party. I shall 
still hope for the best and in all things do my duty faith- 
fully and fearlessly. You say that Kane treats you with 
courtesy and that he has no other than political hostility 
to you, and speaks of your coming forth with great 
strength four years hence. So far as you or your fame 
are concerned you had as well speak of four years after 
the general resurrection. 

Here is a project on foot to drive Ingham and Branch 
out of the Cabinet, to bring in McLane of Delaware and 
some other Crawford man into the administration, perhaps 
Forsythe, and to run Crawford for Vice-President. One 
of the first movements of this new coalition is to be upon 
me. You can see that this will necessarily rally to my 
aid all of the friends of Mr. Calhoun and of Judge Mc- 
Lean and that it may throw many opposition votes upon 
me. I feel strong enough for the crisis. 

But how are you to act? You must lie still and let the 
moment for triumph pass unimproved or you must come 
into the next Congress. You must come in as the friend 
or the opponent of Kane. If your friends do not support 
him he will look out for some one to oppose you. Of the 
proper course for you to adopt you being upon the spot, 
are the best judge. Of one thing however I can assure 



554 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

you ; you are in entire error as to the motives which oper- 
ate upon Mr. Ingham. It may be that he has done too 
much to gratify Duncan, but if so it is easily accounted 
for on other considerations. Duncan is the brother-in-law 
of Clarke, the clerk of the House. He, his wife, and 
Clarke and his wife are constant in their personal atten- 
tions and make the greatest professions, &c. What I have 
said relative to future movements may satisfy you. Be not 
surprised if before the close of the next session you hear of 
such an explosion here as will separate friends never again 
to be united and shaking Gen'l Jackson's popularity to its 
foundation. I hope for better things, but be prepared for 
the worst. Be not surprised to hear that Clay is with- 
drawn and McLean a candidate. 

These views I give to you in the strictest confidence 
because they may be important for you. It is certainly 
important for you that your entire representation from 111. 
should be united. It will give to each more influence, and 
to you a divided interest from your State particularly in 
the Senate will be fatal. Strange as it may seem the 
elections of Senators from your State favorable to me may 
be of much greater importance to me than my re-election 
as printer. It may prevent combinations as to you and 
other friends. Yours, 

D. Green. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 555 

LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN * 

Galena, Nov. 24, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — The negotiations for the sale of your 
printing materials have terminated without effecting that 
object. It seems that Major Campbell was advised to 
desist from his first purpose (of purchasing them alone, 
and publishing a paper under his own name) on account 
of his being an agent of the Government. Himself, Col. 
Wight, J. W. Stephenson, and Mr. Smoker then attempted 
to form an association, and have a paper published under 
Stephenson's name. I was requested to make a written 
proposition of the terms on which I would sell. I did so, 
offering the materials for $850 — $250 down and a liberal 
credit for the remainder. This being considered too high, 
I requested them to make me a proposition; but which 
has not been done. Major Campbell informed me that 
they could not agree as to the course the paper should 
take on particular subjects, which was the cause of their 
not making the purchase. 

I have had no opportunity to send the materials to 
St. Louis since the negotiation was broken off. There has 
been but one boat in the river, and that has made but 
two trips between this and the lower Rapids (it being here 
now on the second and last). Mr. Atchison, the agent of 
the boat, being- a large dealer in lead himself, would 
receive no freight from others, except moving families 
with their plunder. 

* Judge Young was not elected to the senate, according to the "general 
opinion" which Mr. Warren speaks of. John M. Robinson of White County 
was elected. He speaks of Mills as being popular with all parties, and doing 
himself great credit at the bar. 



556 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Major Campbell and Col. Wight are going to Washing- 
ton this winter. I think it likely that should the spirit of 
the times render it necessary to the support of the admin- 
istration, they will take measures to establish a paper here 
in the spring. You will probably see Major C. at Van- 
dalia. 

The sickness of my family (which with our infant 
daughter yet continues) has prevented my moving to the 
canal tract this fall, as I intended. I am, therefore, 
doomed to stay here another winter. 

I have fixed on Chicago or its neighborhood as my 
future residence. It is now the general opinion that 
Judge Young will go to the U. S. Senate. In that event, 
my appointment to a clerkship will depend upon the 
person that may be appointed his successor. Of those 
spoken of, I have heard of Mills, Strode, Hubbard-, Breese, 
and McRoberts. I believe I should stand a fair chance 
with all these, excepting the last named. Should you 
exert your influence, I hope it will be in favor of Mr. 
Mills. He is popular with all parties here, and has done 
himself great credit at the bar. He being obliged to 
attend the Iowa County Court, he can not start from this 
place to Vandalia till about the middle of December. 
His competitors may, therefore, take advantage of his 
absence. 

I gave your account to Mr. Mills to collect. He sued 
for it, and Philleo employed four lawyers to oppose. It 
being left to the court to decide, judgment was rendered 
you for $135, on the testimony of Mr. Mills that I had 
admitted the account to be correct. Newhall being 
absent, process was not served on him. 



LETTER OF HOOPER WARREN. 557 

Philleo has got a new gig made, and goes to Vandalia 

with the rest, where it is likely you will see him. Tillson 

& Holmes also got judgment against us for $160. They 

have some knowledge of his land, and will probably levy 

on it. You can perhaps proceed in concert with them. 

I remain, sir, yours truly, 

H. Warren. 

His Excellency Gov. EDWARDS, Vandalia, Illinois. 



LETTERS OF DAVID J. BAKER. 

Senate Chamber, Dec'r 6th, 1830. 
Sir: — I rec'd my appointment this morning, and all is 
right. This body (the Senate) was called to order by the 
Speaker pro tern., and my certificate was presented by Mr. 
Kane, and I was admitted and qualified. Mr. Kane came 
to this place a considerable part of the way in company 
with me, and in all this time I did not hear him utter a 
syllable derogatory to you, but uniformly spoke in your 
favor; and I do indeed believe, from all I could discover 
while with him, he is not unfriendly to you, and has even 
more confidence in you than he has in some of his pro- 
fessed friends. Gen'l Green informs me that McRoberts 
has been writing letters with a view to injure you for your 
having appointed me. I hope neither you nor your 
friends will be injured for this act of yours, nor have 
reason to regret it. 

I am, Sir, with great consideration, 

your ob't, humble serv't, 

David J. Baker. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, Vandalia, 111. 



55§ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Washington City, Dec'r 28th, 1830. 

Dear Sir: — Yours of the nth and 12th inst, enclos- 
ing letters to Gen'l Duff Green and a recommendation 
address'd to the President in favor of Mr. Prince, were 
received today. The letters directed to Gen'l G. I will 
hand to him tomorrow, and the recommendation address'd 
to the Pres't shall be handed to him very soon. 

It is very well you wrote to Gen. G. in behalf of Mr. 
McKee, for I have apprehensions that he is endeavoring 
to get Mr. Semple nominated; but this is only a conject- 
ure, and you are at liberty to receive it for what it is 
worth and no more. Last week, a note was rec'd by Mr. 
Kane from the Secretary of the Treasury, in which he 
desired to know if there was any objection to the renomi- 
nation of McKee. Mr. Kane in reply told him he would 
consult me on the subject, and that wc would give him an 
answer tomorrow. Mr. Kane and myself had talked this 
matter over before the rec't of that note, and we have 
also talked on the subject since, and it is now agreed 
between us to recommend McKee for reappointment. I 
assure you I have already done what I could, and will 
continue to do whatever I can to secure the reappoint- 
ment of Mr. McKee. And I feel very happy that in 
doing this I can serve you and others of McKee's friends, 
McKee himself, and the public at large, and do what duty 
to all enjoins. 

As to the appointment of Mr. Prince to the Indian 
Agency, I can not promise so much. Soon after I heard 
of the death of Doct. Wolcott, I rec'd a letter from Col. 
Mather at Kaskaskia, requesting me to do what I could 



LETTERS OF DAVID J. BAKER. 559 

to get Mr. Owen of that place appointed. I went to see 
Mr. Eaton immediately on the subject, and recommended 
Mr. Owen; and I think Owen will get it, unless Mr. Kane 
induces the Secretary to prefer Alexander of Pope Co. 

You have many friends here, and I can not doubt that 
Mr. Kane is to be numbered among them. He and Jo. 
Duncan are not friendly at all. 

Your ob't serv't, 

David J. Baker. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Vandalia, Illinois. 

Washington City, Dec. 29th, 1830. 

DEAR Sir: — Mr. Kane and myself went to see Mr. 
Ingham this morning on the subject of McKee's renom- 
ination. We both stated to him our wish to see McKee 
re-appointed, and told him we knew of no objection to 
its being done, and that McKee had been a good and 
faithful officer and was recommended for re-appointment 
by at least two-thirds of the members of the Legislature 
as well as by many others who are among the most 
respectable men in our State. He will, I doubt not, be 
appointed, and if so, he may feel himself much indebted 
to Mr. Kane, who is his decided friend. 

I saw Mr. Calhoun, for the first time, about an hour 
ago. I am much pleased with him. He arrived here 
last night. 

The letters enclosed to me I handed to Gen. Green 
this morning. The recommendation of McKee was 



560 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

handed to the Secretary of the Treasury by Duncan 
last night. 

I am, Sir, with great consideration, 

Your obliged, humble servant, 

David J. Baker. 
His Excellency N. Edwards, 

Vandalia, Illinois. 



LETTER OF ELIAS KENT KANE * 

Washington, Jan. 2d, 1831. 
DEAR SIR : — As my re-election is over and my motives 
can not be misconstrued, I write for the purpose of putting 
you right with regard to the conduct of Gen. Green 
towards you. Last summer a gentleman of some note in 
Illinois told me that you were (to use his own language) 
''outrageously angry with Gen. Green, because he had vio- 
lated your confidence in shewing to me one of your letters 
wherein you declared you would not run for the Senate." 
I at once said that Green had done no such thing, and 
your suspicions were unfounded. Not liking to talk much 

* Elias Kent Kane was born in New York, June 7th, 1 796. After having 
been admitted to the bar, he commenced the practice of law in Nashville, 
Tennessee. After a short residence in that city, he immigrated to Kaskaskia. 
He was a member of the convention which framed the first constitution of the 
State of Illinois, and upon the election of Shadrach Bond as governor was 
appointed the first secretary of state for the State of Illinois. In 1824, he 
was elected a member of the house of representatives from Randolph County, 
and soon after taking his seat was elected United States senator for six years. 
He was re-elected in 1830, and died at Washington, December 12th, 1835. 
David J. Baker, who was his colleague in the senate for a short time, was 
appointed senator by Governor Edwards, to fill a vacancy occasioned by the 
death of John McLean, who died at Shawneetown, October 14th, 1830. 



LETTER OF ELI AS KENT KANE. 56 1 

with the individual (informant), I took occasion to state to 
two of your friends (at least I thought them so) the whole 
truth about it. Last winter, at a party given by the Secre- 
tary of War, I met Gen. Green, who commenced a conver- 
sation about my prospects of a re-election. (This was 
natural, as circumstances had thrown us together which it 
is unnecessary to explain.) I replied I knew but little 
about it. He then said "Gov. Edwards will not be a candi- 
date." I said, "are you sure of that?" "Yes," said he, "for he 
has so written to me." This is all that ever passed between 
us upon that subject. Upon my return home I stated 
these facts to a few of my confidential friends. I have no 
recollection that I made the statement to more than one, 
and that one was Gov. Bond, as I think. To that gentle- 
man I had been in the habit for years of disclosing every- 
thing. He may imprudently have mentioned it, and in 
this way the exaggerated account has reached you. A 
few days ago I called upon Gen. Green and mentioned the 
subject. He at once read me a copy of a letter which he 
had written to your brother in Edwardsville, wherein he 
seemed to have been under the impression that he had 
shown me a letter from him. I told him he had never 
done so — and that the whole truth was as I have described. 
I hope therefore that any feeling against Gen. Green on 
this account will be corrected. Your appointee, Mr. Baker, 
has behaved with much prudence and like a man of good 
sense. I have become attached to him, and will take some 
fit occasion to give some substantial proof of my good 
opinion of him. Bills have passed the Senate again to 
quiet the difficulty about the 3 per cent fund, and to 

36 



562 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

obtain other lands in lieu of the college township. As 

they have passed thus early no good reason can be given 

why they should not pass the House of Representatives 

this session. 

With great respect, your obe't ser't, 

E. K. Kane. 

LETTER OF JUDGE JOHN McLEAN* 

Washington, i 6th Jan., 1831. 

My Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 14th ult. was 
received yesterday, and I take great pleasure in inform- 
ing you that your friend, McKee, has been re-appointed 
to the office he now holds. 

The political horizon at this place is overcast. To 
the man who loves his country there is no pleasing 
prospect for the future. I cannot state what I see, 
much less what I fear. I will, however, continue to hope, 
even against hope. A more important crisis than the 
present has not occured in the annals of our Govern- 
ment. Parties are arrayed against each other in conflict 
on questions of National policy, and unless there be 
magnanimity and forbearance on both sides, there is 
ground to fear that the contest may end in the dissolu- 

4: " To one familiar with the history of the country, it can but seem strange 
that so level-headed and sensible a man as Judge McLean should have had 
fears of a dissolution of the Union at that time. It only illustrates what Col. 
Benton once said, that members of Congress and officials at Washington be- 
come very much excited among themselves, and took their own opinions and 
feelings as a criterion of the feelings of the people at large. While the Wash- 
ington people would be very much excited and impressed with fears that the 
country was all going to the bad, the masses of the people all over the coun- 
try were quietly attending to their own affairs, and utterly oblivious to the 
excitement prevailing at Washington. 



LETTER OF JOHN MCLEAN. 563 

tion of the Union. If this shall take place, there is no 
hope for free government. 

The truth is, selfish considerations have too much 
influence in our public measures. The affairs of the 
Government should be managed for the benefit of the 
stockholders, and not the directors. If the patronage of 
the Government shall be considered as the private pro- 
perty of him who may happen to possess the power, 
and it be used to advance his views, or any other selfish 
end, to the neglect of the public service, it will not be 
long before the moral force of our institutions will be 
destroyed, and, after that, they will not be worth pre- 
serving. 

Mankind can only be governed by moral or physical 
force. The latter is incompatible with free government. 

I wish to see the public mind tranquilized by acts of 
moderation and patriotism on all sides. Our Government 
was formed on the principles of compromise, and it can 
only be successfully administered by a constant reference 
to the foundation on which it rests. If such a policy be 
opposed to the course of the heated partizan, it will 
advance the vital interests of the country. The Govern- 
ment was established for the people, and the officers of 
the Government should never forget that they are the 
agents of the people. 

But, I need not theorise upon these subjects. They 
have, no doubt, occupied much of your reflection. 
With great respect, truly yours, 

John McLean. 

Governor EDWARDS, Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Letter of Duff Green ; removal of Blair to Washington ; the disa- 
greement between the president and vice-president; his account 
of the controversy ; Gen. Jackson charging Mr. Calhoun with 
insincerity ; letters and statements implicating Mr. Crawford ; 
Dr. Philleo seeking a subagency and promising to buy out the 
"Galena Advertiser"; Dr. Philleo's connection with newspapers 
at Galena; the "Galena Advertiser", published by Newhall, 
Philleo & Co.; the " Galenian ", published by Dr. Philleo dur- 
ing the Black-Hawk War, "flaming accounts of battles fought 
and victories won " ; the establishment of the " Northwestern 
Gazette and Galena Advertiser"; the duel between John Turney 
and S. M. Bartlett; the "Northwestern Gazette" falls into the 
hands of H. H. Houghton, who has full editorial control of it 
for a quarter of a century; Mr. Houghton died April 30, 1879, 
being the oldest editor in the State; letter of John Reed; the 
"life member " of Congress from Massachusetts; letter of Duff 
Green; calls attention to correspondence between Mr. Calhoun 
and General Jackson on the subject of the Seminole campaign; 
General Robinson throwing himself into the arms of VanBuren 
and Kane; "come to Congress if you can"; letters of A. P. 
Field; proposes offering for Congress if Gov. Edwards does not 
desire to run; meets Breese on the stump at Lebanon; achieves 
a signal victory over him; letter of John Reynolds; writes from 
Beardstown during the Black-Hawk War; letter of William J. 
Gatewood ; writes in relation to the " great land question " ; 
argues in favor of Gov. Edwards' proposition ; Mr. Gatewood, 
a representative from Gallatin County in the legislature in 1830- 
32, and twice elected senator from the same county, in 1834 and 
1840; regarded as an able lawyer and a man of brilliant talents. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 565 

LETTERS OF DUFF GREEN * 

Washington, Jan. 19th, 1831. 

[CONFIDENTIAL.] 

Dear Sir: — It is natural that you should feel some 
anxiety relative to my personal affairs, and some desire 
to know how the political conflicts will affect them. 

The removal of Blair to this city was, no doubt, pre- 
paratory to a developement, on the part of a portion of 
the President's friends, in which it was anticipated that 
I could not co-operate. He came here professing an 
anxious desire to serve me, and declaring that he would 
do all in his power to secure my re-election. That he 
and his friends supposed that I had given unpardonable 
offence to Mr. Clay's partizans, and that they would coa- 
lesce against me, is apparent; but they forgot that Ken- 
dall and Blair had once been Clay's friends, that they too 

* This letter is a very interesting one as illustrating the events of the time, 
as connected with Gen. Jackson's administration. Philleo's name (Dr. Philleo) 
is often mentioned in the letters of Hooper Warren to Gov. Edwards. He 
was connected with the first newspaper at Galena, the Miners' Journal; and 
afterward was connected with the Galenian, the successor of the Miners' Jour- 
nal: and during the Black- Hawk war, made himself conspicuous by flaming 
accounts of " battles fought and victories won. " The Galena Advertiser was 
established by Newhall, Philleo & Co. ; partly through the assistance rendered 
by Gov. Edwards, as a paper in opposition to the Miners' 1 Journal, though it 
would seem that Philleo became interested in the latter paper. The Adver- 
tiser, after a short and precarious existence, "gave up the ghost." The 
Miners' Journal was succeeded by the Galenian under Dr. Philleo, and it 
became so unpopular under his management, that in 1834, Dickinson B. 
Morehouse and a few other enterprising citizens of the place purchased a news- 
paper outfit at St. Louis and brought it to Galena, and established a paper 
called the Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser. It was placed under 
the management of S. M. Bartlett, a young and intelligent printer. Two or 
three years later, David G. Bates wrote a short communication for the paper, 
reflecting on the character of John Turney, a prominent lawyer, and who had 



566 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

had sinned deeper, and that Clay's enmity was stronger 
against them. The result has been a clear manifestation 
and an open declaration, on the part of Clay's friends 
here, in my favor. My re-election in the House, by a 
large majority, is certain. I have little to fear in the 
Senate. 

You have seen much speculation on the disagreement 
between the President and Vice-President. I have not 
seen all the correspondence, but can say this much to you : 

When Mr. Monroe called a Cabinet Council to deter- 
mine on the answer to be given to the Spanish Minister, 
in reply to his complaint of the occupation of Pensacola 
and St. Marks, Mr. Calhoun, being Secretary of War, was 
of opinion that his orders did not authorize the occupa- 
tion of those posts; that instructions to sieze them would 
be an act of war, which the Secretary of War had no right 

been a member of the house of representatives in 1828-30, from the district 
composed of Pike, Adams, Fulton, Schuyler, Peoria, and Joe Daviess coun- 
ties. Turney demanded the name of the author, and Bartlett gave up the 
name of Bates. Turney refused to take any notice of Bates and then chal- 
lenged Bartlett to a duel, which was promptly accepted by Bartlett. The 
second of .Turney was the Hon. Joseph P. Hoge, afterward member of Con- 
gress from the Galena district, and now a lawyer residing in San Francisco. 
Bartlett's second was William A. Warren, now of Bellevue, Iowa. The par- 
ties went out to the ground selected for the duel in what was then Wisconsin 
Territory, seven miles north of Galena, and after one ineffectual fire, the mat- 
ter was compromised. Subsequently Bartlett removed to Quincy, and was for 
a long time connected with the publication of the Quincy Whig. Turney and 
Bartlett have both been dead many years. The Xorthzvestem Gazette and 
Galena Advertiser then fell under the control of Horace H. Houghton, a 
printer from Vermont, who, with his various partners, published the paper for 
nearly a quarter of a century, Mr. Houghton always having full editorial con- 
trol. He died in Galena, April 3c, 1879, being at the time the oldest editor 
in the State. From the Northwestern Gazette and Galena Advertiser, the 
paper is now published as the Galena Gazette, daily and weekly, and has 
been one of the most successful country papers in the State. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 567 

to make, and in this opinion the Cabinet, with the excep- 
tion of Mr. Adams, were unanimous. 

The next proposition was, how far was Gen'l Jackson 
justifiable in taking those posts? Upon this point Mr. 
Calhoun was of opinion that the propriety of the conduct 
of the Commander in Chief, depending upon contingen- 
cies happening upon the spot, that Gen'l Jackson in the 
field might do what he, as Secretary of War, had no right 
to order him to do, and that, as an act of justice to Gen'l 
Jackson, a Court of Enquiry would afford him (Gen'l 
Jackson), the means of placing the facts of the case in an 
official shape before the Cabinet, and thus enable the 
administration to give a proper and full answer to the 
Spanish .Minister. Upon this point, Mr. Monroe sug- 
gested that there were considerations growing out of the 
existing relations between the United States and Spain, 
which made it proper to sustain Gen'l Jackson without a 
Court of Enquiry; and after a mature deliberation which 
lasted three days, the entire Cabinet, consisting of Mr. 
Adams, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Wirt, and Mr. Calhoun (Mr. 
Crowninshield being absent), concurred. Mr. Calhoun 
has from that day to this consistently supported Gen'l 
Jackson. You ask, how then, has the intercourse between 
them been suspended? 

In the fall of 1827, Mr. Crawford wrote a letter to Mr. 
Balch, of Nashville, in which he refers 'to a conversation 
with Mr. Van Buren, and says there is no other objection 
to the election of Gen'l Jackson, but the apprehension that 
it would benefit Mr. Calhoun. He says that an assurance 
to him on that point would secure the vote of Georgia. It 



568 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

is understood that Mr. Crawford communicated to Gen'I 
Jackson, through Mr. Hamilton of New York, while at 
New Orleans, that Mr. Calhoun was in favor of his arrest, 
and has written a letter which Gen'I Jackson has put into 
the hands of Mr. Calhoun, charging Mr. Calhoun with 
opposition to Gen'I Jackson then, and insincerity in his 
support since. To this Mr. Calhoun has replied. Gen'I 
Jackson has not withdrawn the charge of insincerity, and 
the Vice-President is now waiting, and will in all proba- 
bility come out with a publication in self-defence, unless 
Gen'I Jackson authorizes others, or should himself with- 
draw the charge. Letters and statements deeply impli- 
cating Mr. Crawford are multiplying in the hands of the 
Vice-President, and when he does come out, he will be 
enabled to satisfy every friend that he has acted with pro- 
priety in the first place and that he now forbears in con- 
sideration of the obligations imposed by his relation to 
the President and the great Republican party. 

I have taken the liberty of giving you these facts under 
the strongest injunctions of secrecy, and to prepare you 
for coming events. 

Your speech on the subject of the public lands is an 
able and conclusive document. I intend to reprint it. 
The question of the public lands is daily attracting more 
attention and the anti-tariff party of the South anticipates 
that the West will unite in some modification of the 
entire system so as to give to the West the fund arising- 
from the sales of public land as a permanent appropria- 
tion for purposes of internal improvement. May not this 
be done? 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 569 

Philleo is here seeking a sub-agency and promises to 
buy out the Galena Advertiser, and you can be at no loss 
as to his policy. Can not Warren anticipate him? Or 
would it not be better to bring him down to Vandalia? 
Could he get on if he had $500? Let me hear from you 
on this point. 

Kane says that he will support you for Congress against 
Duncan; of the propriety of being a candidate now you 
are the best judge. Your old enemy Crawford will be 
in the field for Vice-President if he is not killed by Mr. 
Calhoun, I mean politically. I will soon write to you 
again. Yours, D. GREEN. 

P. S. McKee was saved by your letters and friendship 
before your last was rec'd. 

Gov. EDWARDS, Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF JOHN REED." 

Washington City, Feb. 3d, 183 1. 
Dear Sir: — Your letter and speeches, addressed to the 
Legislature of Illinois, have been received, and in con- 
formity with your request I have forwarded them to the 
editor of the "North American Review". 

With respect, y'r ob't serv't, 

John Reed. 
Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

* John Reed was a lawyer at Yarmouth, on Cape Cod. He was a Con- 
gress man from Massachusetts for twenty-four years, and was known as the 
"life member". He was lieutenant-governor of Massachusetts from 1845-51; 
and died November 25th, i860. 



570 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 

Wash'n, i 6th Febr'y, 183 1. 

(CONFIDENTIAL.) 

Dear Sir: — You will see in the Telegraph the address 
of the Vice-President and the correspondence between 
him and the President on the subject of the Seminole 
Campaign. You will see that your old friend Crawford 
has at length completely outwitted himself. Your good 
and true friend, Gen. Robinson, has thrown himself into 
the arms of VanBuren and Kane, and he will go for Van 
unless V. should be driven from the cabinet. Mine is a 
trying position. I stand on principle, and will not desert 
Calhoun. There is a strong disposition to rally on him. 
VanBuren can not command seventy votes in both Houses 
of Congress. I will write to you more at large in a few 
days. But I say to you that now is your time. Come 
into Congress if you can. You are the only man to keep 
your State right; you, if here, would control your sena- 
tors. If you can be elected, you ought to be. Mr. C, 
will send you a pamphlet, and he will write to you at 
large. Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 

P. S. — Do you know that your friend Mitchell is elec- 
tioneering for Kinney as gov'r of the new Territory? 

Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 






LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 57 1 

LETTERS OF A. P. FIELD,* 

JONESBORO, February 26th, 183 1. 

Dear Sir: — Since I left Vandalia, I have been strongly 
urged to offer for Congress, in opposition to Duncan. I 
am confident in this part of the State I would get an 
overwhelming majority; but if you have the most distant 
idea of offering, I will surrender all pretensions and unite 
in giving you my warmest support. And on the contrary, 
if you think it most advisable for you to postpone your 
claims two years and offer in this district, you may rest 
assured that I will not be in your way. If Dunn should 
be taken up and supported by your friends, you know it 
would be more difficult to get him to consent to decline in 
your favor than myself. If I do not run, Dunn certainly 
will. And I do think my prospect of success much more 
encouraging than his. But I wish it distinctly to be 
understood that if you have the most distant idea of run- 
ning, I will at once abandon all such notions toward you. 
I have the greatest friendship and would under no circum- 
stances whatever do anything that would have the most 
remote tendency to injure your future prospect. But if 
you are determined not to offer at this election, I think 
my old friends would do much better by taking me up, 
running me in preference to Dunn. I would be glad to 
hear from you as early as possible. 

Your friend, A. P. FIELD. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq'r, 

Belleville, Illinois. 

* The Dunn spoken of in this letter,, was Charles Dunn of Golconda, Pope 
County, who has been heretofore alluded to. 



572 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

HALSTEAD'S (at night), 1831. 

[Postmarked May 30th]. 

Dear Sir: — On arriving at Lebanon, to day, who 
should I meet but Breese — prepared to make a long 
speech to the people of the village and neighborhood 
by previous arrangement. A friend who I was fortunate 
enough to find at the tavern informed me that the people 
had collected in a grove to hear Breese speak. I immedi- 
ately went down, engaged him again, and I am confident 
I never achieved a more signal victory in my life in a 
speech before the people. Do make some inquiries of 
Head, Anderson, and Adams, and you will find that I 
will get a strong support about Lebanon. Give Mitchell 
a small history of these things. If my friends will only 
help, I am safe. I shall go right on to Sangamon. 

Send me immediately to Vand. a circular. I have not 

time to write one. Write to Brown and Eddy. 

Yours, &c, 

A. P. Field. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 

Beardstown, 1 8th June, 1831. 
DEAR Sir: — We will have about fourteen hundred men 
ready to move against the Indians. There are so many 
that we must have a Brigade. I called Gen. Duncan to 
act as Brigadier-General. There will be an election for 
2 Cols, and 4 Majors. I think we start about Monday 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 573 

next. The companies are divided to make about 50 or 
60 men each. 

I received another letter from Gen. Gaines, of the 
13th inst. He advises to be "vigilant" and to go "soon" 

I have no news to inform you of. A great spirit of 
harmony prevails. Your son is well. 

Inform the citizens of St. Clair that all the Northern 
frontier has called on me to protect them, and to be ready 
to protect. No men will be called out except necessary. 
Volunteers will be taken in place of drafts. This measure 
is only to be on the alert. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 
Gov. N. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM J. GATEWOOD * 

Equality, Illinois, July ioth, 183 1. 
Dear Sir:- — Mr. Field was here on Friday last, and 
delivered us a speech entirely devoted to battering down 
the great land question. It was late in the evening when 
he concluded, and I had no opportunity of answering him. 
But I have written a communication for the Kaskaskia 

* William J. Gatewood, better known in his time as "Jeff Gatewood," first 
appeared in public life as a representative in the legislature from Gallatin 
County, 1830-32. He was elected senator from the same county in 1834, 
and again in 1840. Equality, where the letter is dated, was the first county- 
seat of Gallatin County, and remained so until it was removed to Shawnee- 
town. Mr. Gatewood was regarded in his time as an able lawyer and a man 
of brilliant talents. After reading the letters of A. P. Field to Gov. Edwards, 
it must create some surprise to see him antagonizing the governor's doctrine 
on the land question on the stump. 



574 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

Democrat, which I hope will be published the next 
number. I find Mr. Field's doctrines espoused by all of 
your opponents here. Breese made a favorable impression 
on that subject, and though I had not intended to go 
for him at all, on account of the total absence of anything 
like .concert among our friends, I may perhaps. Indeed 
I was never more astonished in my life than when I 
heard he, Mr. F., had openly avowed his opposition to 
those doctrines which you had so ably vindicated here. 
I think his prospect of success here is rather dull. 

The publication I have made is a kind of review of 
his position, and I regret that I am not able to do the 
subject more justice than is done to it in my publica- 
tion. I flatter myself I have somewhat extended the 
arguments in favor of the right we assert, and, as I think, 
presented some new ones. Will you believe me? I 
have not read your address regularly through since last 
winter; but I have reflected a great deal on the subject, 
and when I have thought I had discovered new arguments, 
upon turning to your address I found that the topic had 
been touched by you; for instance, the interpretation or 
understanding which Virginia had of the words "Freedom, 
sovereignty, and independence," which are found in the 
deed of cession, upon examining your address, I find you 
had touched upon the same thing. Before this I had 
examined the act of Separation, as it is called, passed 
by the Virginia Legislature. I have extended the argu- 
ments on that a little, to show the sense in which she 
seems to have understood them by her conduct towards 
Kentucky. 



LETTER OF WILLIAM J. GATEWOOD. 57$ 

I received a letter from your brother, Cyrus, on the 
subject of the national road. I cannot at present be of 
any service to him, owing to the election; and, besides, 
Mr. Grant, who is now in my office, tells me he is not 
provided with paper, and it is owing to that circumstance 
that I have to send my little matter to the Democrat. 

With regard to my own affairs. I have been all this 
spring laboring under a very serious indisposition, so that 
I was unable to go even to my own Court-house, and 
could not, as I contemplated, address the people on this 
land question. It, perhaps, is no loss to the community. 

I am, with sentiments of high respect and veneration, 
Your most ob't, humble servant, 

Wm. J. Gatewood. 

His Excellency Ninian Edwards, 
Belleville, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

Letter of John Shackford ; acknowledges receipt of letter of intro- 
duction to Gabriel Moore ; remarkable letter of Duff Green ; 
takes the part of Mr. Calhoun in his quarrel with Gen. Jackson; 
severe denunciation of Gen. Jackson; charging him with using 
the patronage as a personal chattel to advance the private in- 
terests of a few dependents; if re-elected, will be rendered 
contemptable ; hopes for the rejection of VanBuren as minister 
to England; Jacksonism to become "a stench in the land"; letter 
of John Reynolds in relation to holding a State convention at 
Vandalia; wants Richard M.Johnson nominated for vice-presi- 
dent on the ticket with Jackson; letter of A. P. Field; wants 
Gov. Edwards' influence in favor of Mr. Bennett as candidate 
for the State senate ; letter of Elias Kent Kane in relation to 
appointments to West Point ; letter of John M. Robinson in 
relation to the reduction of the price of public lands and on the 
tariff question; brief sketch of Gen. Robinson; elected United 
States senator to succeed John McLean, deceased; served two 
terms; subsequently elected judge of the Supreme Court; died 
in 1843; letter of David J. Baker; writes in regard to the con- 
gressional canvass ; greatly pleased at the prospects of Gov. 
Edwards in the upper counties ; what Breese is doing ; his 
dedication of his reports to Kane has disgusted many of his old 
friends; Judge Pope decidedly and unequivocally for Edwards 
for Congress ; Mather against him ; wants to be set right in 
regard to legislation purposed by him, authorizing the sale of 
public lands in forty-acre tracts. 



LETTER OF JOHN SHACKFORD. 577 

LETTER OF JOHN SHACKFORD .* 

Washington, 24th Dec, 1831. 
Ninian Edwards, Esq'r, 

Dear Sir: — I duly received the introductory letters you 
so kindly handed or sent to me. They proved to me very 
serviceable, at least in the case of your amiable friend, 
the Hon. G. Moore — who gave to your letter that frank 
candour which few men observe. He told me today he 
was greatly indebted to you for past favors — he feels and 
speaks of them in a sense of gratitude. And I trust even 
to remember your kindness to me in this matter with cor- 
responding feelings. With sincere thanks, 

I am, respectfully, y'r ob. s't, 

JNO. SHACKFORD. 

Hon. Ninian Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN.f 

Washington, 14th Jan'y, 1832. 
Dear Sir: — I have received yours, enclosing your 
advertisement, which I have placed in my daily, with 

* Gabriel Moore, to whom a letter of introduction was given by Gov. 
Edwards to Mr. Shackford, was a colleague of Gov. Edwards in the U. S. 
Senate, and a great friend. He was a distinguished lawyer in Alabama, was 
four times elected a member of Congress, and was the governor of Alabama 
from 1829-31, when he was elected United States senator. He died at 
Caddo, Texas, as late as June 9th, 1844. 

+ From being the great champion of Gen. Jackson at his first election, 
Mr. Green seems to have "switched off" during the first term of his adminis- 
tration. In the quarrel between Calhoun and Jackson, Green became a strong 
partisan of the former. His comments on the manner in which Gen. Jackson 
dispensed his patronage, apply with equal force to the same state of things 

37 



578 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

directions that it shall appear occasionally in the country 
paper. I have also to thank you for the copy of your 
message on the subject of the public land, a part of which 
I propose to publish. The letter of which you speak in 
yours to Gov. Moore has not been received. 

I regret to hear of your loss and hope that nothing will 
prevent your coming to Congress. The next few years 
are to decide the fate of this Republic. I am well satis- 
fied that if Congress does not take the alarm and modify 
the tariff, giving a practical abandonment of Mr. Clay's 
policy, the South will nullify, and the result will be the 
adoption and acquiescence in the doctrines of the South 
or a civil war. 

The new states stand in much the same relation to the 
gen'l Government, and must ultimately combine against 
the project of selling the public domain to them. Your 
doctrine must ultimately prevail, and you should be here 
to defend it. 

Mr. Adams has declared himself decidedly in favor of 
such a modification as will satisfy the South. Mr. Clay 
has raised his tone and insists upon his policy. Gen'l 
Jackson shrinks back, and meanly skulks from the respon- 
sibility which his position involves. Instead of using the 
patronage upon the high principle on which it was given 
to him of promoting the public good, he uses it as a per- 
sonal chattel, to be administered to advance his own 

today. Mr. Green's wish that the nomination of VanBuren might be defeated, 
as minister to England, was gratified, and he took his leave of England, March 
19, 1832. On his return, he was put on the ticket with Jackson for vice-presi- 
dent. He was disappointed in his hope that Jackson would decline a re- 
election, for he was re-elected, nor did he become a "stench in the land." 



LETTER OF DUFF GREEN. 579 

re-election and to advance the private interests of a few- 
dependants. Instead of boldly leading for or against the 
great measure which agitates Congress, he has no plan, or, 
if any, it is Mr. VanBuren's plan of non-committal. He 
is consequently failing, and the next four years, if he is 
re-elected, will but seem to render him contemptible. 

Van Buren's nomination hangs upon a balance. I hope 
it will be defeated on Monday next, when it is understood 
it will be decided. It is understood that Eaton and Lewis 
have been largely engaged in speculating in the Indian 
reservation, and that the proof of f rated to an immense 
amount will be developed. Mr. Everett will move it in 
next week. 

Take my word for it, Jacksonism will become a stench 
in the land, and there will be a rapid desertion from his 
party. I am not without hope that he will yet decline a 
re-election; altho' that hope is but a hope. Do not aban- 
don all hope of seeing the party yet rally on Mr. Calhoun. 
The family are well and desire to be remembered to you 
and yours. Your friend and relative, 

D. Green. 

P. S. — I think my individual prospects never were 
brighter. My standing in Congress is stronger than at 
any previous time. 

Gov. Edwards, Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF GOVERNOR REYNOLDS. 

Belleville, 3rd Feb'y, 1832. 
DEAR Sir: — On reflection and consultation with friends, 



580 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I am satisfied the course you proposed is the proper one, 
in regard to the Vice-Presidency and nominating electors. 
I have written to Cols. Field and Dement to publish a 
general state convention, to be held at Vandalia on the 
30th March next, to be composed of a member from each 
county. This convention will be had before the Van 
Buren men have their meetings. 

I want you, if you please, to press the necessity of this 
measure on our friends in Sangamon and elsewhere in 
your route. We must all be active, or the Van Buren 
men will get public sentiment wrong in relation to John- 
son. He is the man for our V.-President, to run with 
Jackson, and to nominate him and the electors for both 
on the 30th March next. In the interim, we must have 
our county meetings and get members selected for the 
State convention. 

Your family and friends here are in good health. 

Please write me, if you do not soon return. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 
Gov. Edwards, 

or, in his absence, to G. FORQUER, Esq'r, 

Springfield, 111. 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 

Vandalia, Feb. 29th, 1832. 

Dear Gov.: — Our mutual friend, Mr. Bennett, has 

become a candidate for the Senate in Bond, Macoupin, 

and Montgomery; and feels very desirous of getting your 

aid in the contest. You know Tillson's course has always 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 58 1 

been against us. And if Mr. B. should succeed, you may 
rest satisfied that we will find in him a devoted friend, at 
a time, too, when friends may be needed. You have con- 
siderable influence in Bond and Macoupin, and can oper- 
ate through Tompson and Dew. Mr. B.'s bro. in Mt. G. 
is one of the most substantial members of the Methodist 

Church. Your friend, 

A. P. Field. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF ELIAS KENT KANE. 

Senate Chamber, March 6th, 1832. 

Dear Sir: — I received a few days ago yours of the 3d 
Feb'y ult'o. It will afford me pleasure to join in the 
recommendation of young Mr. Todd. Candour requires 
me to say that I have heretofore recommended others for 
similar app'ts. I feel myself bound, with regard to these 
app'ts, to present upon equal ground (so far as my humble 
name may effect the object) all the young men of our 
state who are respectably recommended, leaving the 
selection to the Secretary, without any exertion in favour 
of one over another. This course, just in itself, relieves 
me from the delicate responsibility of discriminating 
between young gentlemen whose peculiar merits are 
usually developed in after-time. 

The Senate is now engaged upon the apportionment 
bill. My impression is that the bill from the House, fix- 
ing upon 47,700 as the ratio, will become a law. As to 
the tariff, I do not believe that the ultra leaders on either 



5§2 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

side wish for an accommodation, nor is there a prospect 

of a compromise. With great respect, 

y'r ob't serv't, 

E. K. Kane. 
Gov. Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER OF JOHN M. ROBINSON * 

Washington, April ist, 1832. 
DEAR Sir: — A few days ago, Mr. Clay's tariff resolu- 
tions, with various amendments, among others an enquiry 
into the expediency of reducing the price of the public 
lands and also to dispose of them to the respective States 
in which they lie, upon reasonable terms were all without 
adoption referred to the Committee on Manufactures. 
Day before yesterday, that Committee made a partial 
report by Bill, reducing the tariff on that class of articles 
not coming in competition with similar articles of home 
growth or manufacture. The Bill was laid on the table, 
and I hope will so remain until a Report be made em- 
bracing the whole subject referred, which was every 
branch appertaining to the revenue. Much of a tariff 
man as I am, I shall never consent to entirely abolish 

* John M. Robinson of Carmi, White County, was elected United States 
senator, December nth, 1830, to succeed John McLean, deceased. He was 
re-elected in December, 1835, and served until 1841 — in all a service of twelve 
years. He does not seem to have been prominent in State politics, and I can 
not find that he was ever a member of the State legislature. He reached the 
high position of United States senator on account of his locality in the Wabash 
country, his success as a lawyer, and his popularity as a man. After retiring 
from the senate, he was elected judge of the Supreme Court, March 6th, 
1843, an d died on the 27th day of the following month. 



LETTER OF JOHN M. ROBINSON. 583 

the duties on luxuries and retain them at their present 
high rates on many of the ordinary and indispensable 
necessaries of common consumption. And further, now 
is the favourable time for us of the new States to make 
a stand for the reduction in price or a transfer to the 
States of the Public Lands. Now that the public debt 
is good as paid, and a new system (as to amount, at least) 
of revenue to be formed, if that system be formed barely 
for the exigences of the Government, without any change 
as to price or disposition of the public domain, it will be 
a kind of estoppel to any future relief on this subject. T 
say relief, for the present land system is a burthen of the 
most onerous character to all the new States. 

The 40-acre law will pass, though not to the extent as 
it first passed the Senate; the H. of R. made several 
amendments, one confining entries by 40 acres to lands 
which have been offered for sale, another limiting the 
purchaser to 80 acres, unless for cultivation, or for the use 
of his improvement, &c. The Senate will have to concur 
for fear of losing the whole bill. 

Your friend and ob'd't ser't, 

John M. Robinson. 

Gov. N. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTERS OF DAVID J. BAKER.* 

Kaskaskia, April 21, 1832. 
DEAR Sir: — I have just returned from Jonesboro' and 

* These letters of Mr. Baker are in regard to the congressional contest in 
the then first congressional district of Illinois in 1832. The three principal 



584 THE EDWARDS TAPERS. 

your favor of the 13th instant was received a few moments 
since. I am greatly pleased with your prospects in the 
upper counties, and I hope you are not too sanguine in 
that quarter. I left our friends Browne, Eddy, Dunn, and 
others yesterday, and I met Gatewood at Brownsville on 
my way home. They are all for you except Hardin. 
Dunn and Field, I am authorized to say, will not be in 
your way. 

In Union, Jackson, and Randolph, I think, you will get 
a good vote — how good, will depend on occurrences yet to 
take place and movements yet to be made. Harker is a 
candidate for the legislature, and so is Whittaker, and the 
former will, no doubt, be elected. If he does not go for 
you, I think, he will not act against you ; and if Reynolds 
should drop him a line in your behalf, the probability is he 
would be for you. Your old friends, the Dutch, are quite 
likely to vote for you. In Jackson, Griggs, Creath, and 
Kinnard, are professedly for you, tho' some of Breese's 

candidates were Chas. Slade, Sidney Breese, Chas. Dunn, Henry L. Webb, 
and Gov. Edwards. Slade was elected, and took his seat on the 2d of De- 
cember, 1833, serving through the long session. On his way home, July, 
1834, he died suddenly in Knox County, Indiana, after an illness of only 
twenty-four hours. Gov. Edwards came out as a candidate, very reluctantly, 
only a short time before the election. He declined to make a personal can- 
vass, and limited himself simply to issuing an address to the voters of the 
district — that, however, could avail but little against the personal exertions 
of the other candidates, of whom Slade and Breese canvassed the district very 
thoroughly. 

David J. Baker was a native of Connecticut. He removed to Illinois, and 
commenced the practice of law at Kaskaskia in 1819. Mr. Baker was an 
able lawyer and a man of high personal character. In the convention con- 
test in 1823, he strongly opposed the calling of the convention, the purpose of 
which was to make Illinois a slave-state. He served as United States senator, 
as herein before stated. From Kaskaskia he removed to Alton, Illinois, 
where he died August 6th, 1869. 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER. 585 

friends have tried to turn Creath against you by telling 
him. you wrote to Singleton Kinnard that he (C.) must be 
put down; but C. does not believe you ever wrote such a 
letter. John Logan told me he had ever been your friend 
and would go for you, but I have since learned that on 
Breese telling him you promised not to be a candidate 
this time, L. said, if you did so promise, he would not 
support you. 

Breese makes many of the people believe he was the first 
one to propose the law for the sale of land in 40-acre tracts, 
and that you promised not to offer for congress this time. 
These two things work more in his favor than any thing 
else — than all other things. And both must fail him, if 
the truth comes to be known. We think he is determined 
to hold on to the end (he says so), &, I believe, he is 
playing Judge Phillips and setting up for himself, cal- 
culating to become the head of a Breese-party. 

You must visit these counties, and your friends think it 
advisable for you not to rely upon the land question or say 
much about it, and by all means not to throw the gauntlet 
at a?ty body. 

Your friend sincerely, 

David J. Baker. 

P.S. — C. will have his own election to attend to. 

In this county Judge Pope will, I am warranted in be- 
lieving, do what he can to help you — what Mather and 
Roberts will do I cannot say, but I think they will support 

you. 

D. J. B. 

Hon. N. Edwards. 



586 THE EDWARDS PATERS. 

Kaskaskia, April 28th, 1832. 
To Hon. N. Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — Since our court adjourned I have had a 
conversation with Mr. Breese on the subject of your elec- 
tion to Congress. He seems to be greatly dejected, and, I 
think, despairs of being elected. If he does not give up 
entirely, my opinion is, that, if you run, he cannot get even 
a respectable vote. The dedication of his book to Mr. Kane 
has disgusted many of his old friends and has gained no 
new ones. He says he is going to Belleville and will see 
you. I have no doubt that he can be prevailed on to back 
out, if he is promised fair for time to come; but as to 
the propriety of encouraging him with the expectation of 
getting something hereafter, myself and others of your 
friends have doubts — nor are we persuaded that it is neces- 
sary to your success — nor do we know that his backing out 
will help you; tho' I think it will. 

Since I wrote to you I have talked two or three times 
with Judge Pope. He is for you decidedly & tmeqaivocally ; 
tho' some, and I believe, Breese among others, are trying 
to make out that you are a nidlifier. Mr. Cowles has, I 
presume, told you of his talk with Mr. Mather. He says 
he shall not vote for you, yet promises not to do anything 
against you. This I regret, because Mather & those con- 
nected with him in trade have great influence in this 
district, having establishments at Chester, at Steele's Mill, 
and in Washington Co. I do believe, if Mather were to 
broach the subject to Judge Pope, as doubtless he may, 
Pope will be able to dissuade him from opposing you. 
Excuse me if the balance of this letter relates more to 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER. 587 

myself than to you, tho' it may not injure you for the 
people to know that I, acting under your appointment, 
have been the cause of the enacting of a law very benefi- 
cial to them. 

In The Globe of the 7th inst., the bill which has been 
passed the present session of Congress, called the "40-acre" 
bill, is ascribed to Mr. Clay, of the House of Representa- 
tives. Early in Dec, 1830 (as you know), while I had the 
honor of a seat in the U. States Senate by your appoint- 
ment, on the suggestion of Mr. Churchill, contained in a 
letter received from him, a resolution was introduced by 
me and passed by that body, directing the Committee on 
the Public Lands to enquire into the propriety of selling 
those lands in 40-acre tracts, and also into the propriety of 
making donations of small tracts of land to actual settlers, 
as will be seen by reference to the journal of the U. States 
Senate. 

Upon the adoption of this resolution, I attended before 
the committee & presented a bill I had drafted, which was 
reported and passed by that body early in January follow- 
ing; but it was not got through the House. The bill 
drafted by me contained exactly the same provisions that 
the one now passed contains, except the last two provis- 
ions, which were added to it after it left the Senate this 
session. When I offered the resolution there had been no 
action in the House, at that session, on the subject, and, if 
the sale of lands in 40-acre tracts had ever been brought 
before Congress, prior to my doing it, I did not know it. 

As you are at Alton frequently, by having what I know 
is partly, and I believe is zvholly a mistake of the editor of 



588 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

the Globe corrected, you may be giving honor to whom it 
is due, & obliging 

Your friend & obt. servt, 

David J. Baker. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

Letter of John Reynolds, written during the Black-Hawk War from 
Fort Wilburn ; dissatisfaction of the people with him ; wants 
nothing from the people "other than common civility"; wishes 
his friends to be informed that he is "bullet proof"; cares 
nothing for slander and will bid a long farewell to public life, 
and live at home at peace ; letter of David J. Baker ; wants 
Gov. Edwards to publicly announce that he is a candidate for 
Congress; fears Breese may be stronger than supposed; letter 
of Mr. Baker to James Mitchell in relation to the canvass for 
Congress ; flattering prospects for a good vote in Randolph 
County ; Gov. Edwards' address to the voters of the district ; 
Burke or Fox could not have written so good a one; believes 
Edwards will be triumphantly elected; letters of A. P. Field; 
great necessity for Edwards being in the southern part of the 
district; would like to take the stump for Edwards, but money 
exhausted ; publishers of the Vandalia paper refuse to publish 
communications ; expects " to have a scrape with the darned 
rascals"; another letter of A. P. Field; wants to meet Breese 
and measure strength with him on the stump; letters of David 
J. Baker; writes of the progress of the congressional canvass; 
handbills to be sent over the district; writes after the election 
as to the causes of the defeat of Gov. Edwards; the canvass 
made by Slade ; wormed himself into the hearts of the people ; 
voters not committed to Breese stolen away by Slade ; the 
devil let loose against Gov. Edwards. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 

Fort Wilburn,* 22nd June, 1832. 
Dear Friend: — I am much more concerned at the 

* This fort "was situated on the southern bank of the Illinois River, about 



59° THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

anxiety of friends, and you are one, about the dissatisfac- 
tion of the people than I am for myself. I have acted 
right, and should the people not approve, let it be so. It 
can not hurt me, as I want nothing from them other than 
common civility. I see in your last letter to me that 
Mitchell's company wants to be ordered out. Do they 
know that there are 3400 or 3500 now in the army, and 5 
or 600 on the frontier, and not a supply of provisions for 
them. The frontier is crowded with men, so is the army. 
It will not do to do wrong to humor a blind infatuation. 
I am as easy as a rock in the wind, let it blow hard or not. 
All I am sorry for is that I commenced so good and 
must continue. 

I wish you to inform my friends that I am "bullet 
proof." I have done right, and care not for slander; that 
I go in for nothing; that as soon as the storm settles in 
my favor, which it is compelled to do, I will bid a long 
farewell to public life and live at home in peace. I am 
now before the people, I am in for my friends, but you 
and a few excepted, not one other will write or say one 
word in my favor. I do not want it, as I care very little 
about the result. 

Snyder had a fight with the Indians; lost 3 vols. — 
Ben Scott, McDaniel, and Macomson ; and killed 4 
Indians, at least there were 4 killed. Dodge killed 11 

a mile above Peru." The letter was written in the height of the Black-Hawk 
war, and is in a tone of discouragement, not to say disgust, for he proposes 
to "bid a long farewell to public life, and live at home in peace." It was 
Gen. Henry Dodge who was reported to have killed eleven Indians. This 
was at the battle of Peckitonica. Major J. W. Stephenson was wounded in 
a skirmish at Buffalo Grove, but not very seriously. 



LETTER OF JOHN REYNOLDS. 591 

Indians. J. W. Stephenson, it is said, is mortally wound- 
ed. Dr. Cornelius is wounded. A man was killed in the 
Benson settlement, and one at De Page since I arrived 
here. Blood flows here on a small scale tolerably fast. 

I am well, so you will inform my family, and will start 
in the morning for the Indian country, and will return in 
20 or 30 days. 

Col. Mill's company is ordered on the frontier for 20 
days. A supply can not be had for more troops; and not 
long for those here. 

I see Congress has passed 30,000 dolls, for the war. 

Your friend, 

John Reynolds. 

Gov. N. Edwards, Belleville, 111. 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER. 

Kaskaskia, June 22nd, 1832. 
To Hon. N. Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — If you are a candidate for representative 
to Congress from this district, as I have for some time 
felt myself authorized to consider and speak of you, per- 
mit me to suggest the propriety of suffering yourself to be 
publicly announced as such in some of the public news- 
papers without any further delay. Any longer delay to 
do this, I am sure, can in no wise benefit or further your 
election. You are considered as a candidate by your 
particular and confidential friends, and they have spoken 
of you as such, I believe, on many occasions, but as the 
people have not seen you publicly announced, they 



592 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

aggregately do not look upon you as a candidate, and 
altho' little is said by them on the subject of the approach- 
ing election, many of them have already, and more of 
them soon will, make up their minds which to vote for of 
those now in the field. It is only a little time before the 
election will take place, and I am sure you, however, 
strong you may be with the people, ought immediately to 
be announced and to go about among them. I fear 
Breese may be stronger than we have supposed. 

As one of your friends I can see no cause why you 
should longer withhold your name from the public, and 
more, I am quite certain there can be none. If you back 
out from being a candidate now, your friends will be 
dissatisfied — if you are not forthwith announced, they fear 
your election, which they cannot but believe quite certain 
as things now are, will be jeopardized. 

These hints are, however, submitted not by way of 
dictating, but for the consideration of your better judg- 
ment. 

Most respectfully, your ob't servant, 

David J. Baker. 
Hon. N. Edwards, Belleville, Illinois. 



LETTER .OF DAVID J. BAKER TO 
JAMES MITCHELL. 

Kaskaskia, July ioth, 1832. 
To Jas. Mitchell, Esq. 

Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 26th ult. on the subject 
of Gov. Edwards' election, was duly received. I was 



LETTER OF DAVID J. BAKER. 593 

pleased with its contents, and I have often read it and 
spoken of it in electioneering for him. 

About the time of my receipt of it, altho' I never have 
for a moment doubted that Gov. E. would be elected, I 
must acknowledge, I was apprehensive he would get but 
a slim vote in this county. But, now, I entertain a very 
different opinion. Since he has been announced, I have 
mixed with our people here considerably with the view 
of finding out their sentiments in regard to him. Capt. 
McDonough says, he will get a majority in this Co., and 
I think it not improbable, that he may get a considerable 
one. Since Maj. Humphreys has declined, tho' it is said 
he declined in favor of Mr. Slade, many of his friends are 
now going, and, I think, most of them here may be 
induced to go, for Edwards. 

Col. Servant, Francis Menard (called Brandamore Me- 
nard), and some others of Humphreys' friends have 
already come out for the Gov'r. So that his friends, 
E.'s, have reason to be encouraged in this Co. Judge 
Pope is for him. 

His address to the voters of the District will, I have no 
doubt, do much for him. The matter, in my opinion, is 
the best that could have been put in an address from him 
to the voters of this District; and the style and manner of 
its execution are the best for such a production I ever saw 
from him or, from any body. It is, in my opinion, a 
model for the style and manner of such an address, a 
masterpiece, we all say. Burke or Fox could not have 
written so good a one on such an occasion, to the voters 
of Illinois. 



594 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

I am bound to believe, as things now stand, he will be 
elected triumphantly. It may be I am too sanguine,, 
because, I hope he will so be elected. Most that I have 
talked with admit that we need his talents, experience \ 
judgment, and energy in the Councils of the Nation. 

Your ob't serv't, 

David J. Baker. 
P. S. I have already written to many of my friends on 
the subject of the Gov.'s election, living between here and 
the Ohio River, and I shall write to more, by the next 
mail. D. J. B. 

J. MITCHELL, Esq., Post-Master, 

Belleville, St. Clair Co. 



LETTERS OE A. P. EIELD. 

VANDALIA, July 24th, 1832. 
Dear Gov.: — Your favor of the 22nd ultimo has been 
duly received. And I am really sorry to learn you are 
so much indisposed as I am conscious of the great neces- 
sity of your being in the southern part of the district. If 
I had the means, but my money is entirely exhausted, I 
would go to Franklin, Pope, Johnson, &c, and address the 
people for you, and if you could furnish it to me, I would 
start immediately. My war trip has drained me. Myself 
and Col. Duncan both handed in pieces to the editors of 
this paper in your favor and moderately arraigning Mr. 
Breese, they refused to publish either for the reason, as 
that Breese has been a great friend, and I expect yet to 
have a scrape with the darned Rascals. Reynolds ought 



LETTER OF A. P. FIELD. 595 

not to have such a set about him. I called on them to 
know the reason they had not defended Reynolds against 
Owen's attack? Their reasons were that they knezv 
nothing about it. I defended Reynolds in a short article 
signed, a Citizen. I am doing what I can for you in Bond 
and will write to-night all over the South, but if I could 
go, I could benefit you many votes. I should like to hear 
from you by Saturday's mail. 

Your friend, in haste, 

A. P. Field. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq., 

Belleville, Illinois. 

VANDALIA, July 30th, 1832. 
Dear Sir: — I received your letter by the hand of Mr. 
McBride, and although unwell, I will start with one of my 
friends in the morning to Franklin, Gallatin, and Pope, 
where I am in hopes I can meet Mr. Breese and measure 
strength with him on the stump. I really can scarcely 
spare the time, and my means are so limited that I am 
unable to do you as much good as I would desire. I will 
try and make an arrangement to have some person in 
Bond to urge your claims, and I will try and send on to 
Johnson and Alexander. I intended to have had several 
publications out for you, that I could not get them in. I 
was under the necessity to Kane, one of the editors, about 
a publication I sent him in favor of you. 

Yours, A. P. Field. 

Ninian Edwards, Esq'r, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



596 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

LETTERS OF DAVID J. BAKER. 

KASKASKIA, July 30th, 1832. 

To Hon. N. Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — Owing to severe indisposition for the last 
week, I was unable to accompany Ninian to Union Co. 
I feel much better, however, today — so much better that 
I have attended to having y'r last handbill printed with 
Mr. Crittenden's letter. I have got Mr. Fleming to 
strike off 500 of them, and I have engaged Mr. Spencer 
P. Adkins to start in the morning to distribute them in 
the counties of Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, John- 
son, and Pope. I sent for Capt. McDonough, and he and 
Mr. Pope and myself consulted on the propriety of send- 
ing those bills by your servant Richard, and unanimously 
concluded it would be better to employ some man of 
character. Mr. Adkins is your friend, and is anxious for 
y'r election; he was a member — a delegate from this Co. 
— to the Jackson Convention, that assembled at this place 
and nominated electors for president. For his services, he 
is to have $1 per day and his expenses borne. 

This morning I started off Mr. Barker, a mail contrac- 
tor who carries the mail from this place to America, to 
distribute y'r answer to Sawyer's attack, in this Co. and in 
Perry. He is y'r friend and a good hand. He will be 
faithful, and is to have not exceeding $2 per day, and pay 
his own expenses. I have not heard anybody express a 
doubt about y'r being elected, except that Amos Ander- 
son told me Mr. Breese said he should be elected. I think 
I have procured two of the best Jackson men in our Co. 
to distribute your handbills and if they (the handbills) 



LETTERS OF DAVID J. BAKER. 597 

do not satisfy the people that you was not opposed to 
reducing the price of the public lands, you may despair 
of doing it. 

I feel so much better today that I flatter myself I shall 
be able to be at Jonesboro' at the election, and, if I am 
well enough, I intend to be there; and I have determined 
to start off tomorrow, so as to have plenty of time to 
electioneer on the way. Most respectfully, 

your friend and ob't ser't, 

David J. Baker. 

Altho' I have for some days been too unwell to expose 
myself to the men, I have written letters to Gallatin, 
Perry, and the counties below here to such persons as I 
supposed it might be serviceable to write to. 

Hon. N. Edwards, 

Belleville, 111. 

Kaskaskia, Aug. 10, 1832. 
To Hon. N. Edwards, 

Dear Sir: — I left home at the time I told you I would, 
and went thro' Pinckneyville on my way to Jonesboro', 
and I stop'd at almost every house and endeavored to see 
every person I could between this place and Jonesboro'. 
Two or three days before I left home, I told Judge Pope 
I suspected the contest, if any there was, would be 
between you and Mr. Slade, and I became confirmed in 
this opinion as I traveled on. 

At Jonesboro', Grammar was very active for Slade on 
the day of the election, and Harker did all he could for 
Breese. Breese bro't down y'r letter to Maxwell, and put 



59^ THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

it into Harker's hands, from the unpublished contents of 
which he endeavored to satisfy the people that you could 
not have been in earnest in giving the votes you did, and 
in proposing y'r amendments in favor of the reduction of 
the price of the public lands. 

I found most of the men in Jackson and Union, whom 
Ninian supposed for you, taking part against you. Griggs, 
Kinnard, Connor, and even Creath voted against you. As 
old Will in his Co. carried all before him, he carried all 
against you. So far as I am able to discover among the 
causes why you got so few votes in this quarter, I believe 
here are to be reckoned as principal ones: I. Your com- 
ing out so late — many of y'r old friends having come 
under pledges to Breese before your announcement. 2. 
Your declarations in y'r address in favor of Gen'l Jackson — 
the old Adams and Clay men, and even some of your old 
Jackson friends, thinking you had turned, did not like it. 
3. Orr's handbill — as vile a thing as ever was put forth — 
all the truths, if any, it contained being so stated as to 
become falsehoods, because they produced a false impres- 
sion; and Breese, altho' when I charge him with doing so 
he denied it, I have no doubt distributed it — as it never 
was seen in Brownsville or Jonesboro' until he came there. 
It is an infamous thing, and ought to disgrace all con- 
cerned, either in its fabrication or publication. Breese 
attended the election at Jonesboro', and the handbill 
stated he was on his return to the army. (More anon.) 

The votes in: 





LETTER OE 


DAVID J. I) 


AKEI 




599 




Sladc. 


Breese. 


Ed 


wards. 


Webb. 


Union, 


- 245 


H7 


- 


68 - 


72 


Jackson, 


H3 


- 152 


- 


46 - 


1 


Perry, 


- 81 


91 


- 


"7 1 

03 


— 


Randolph, 


157 


301 


- 


6l - 


8 



Nothing short of a miracle could have procured very 
many more votes* for you at the time I went down. Slade 
had visited every house, and wormed himself into the 
hearts of the people, and those Breese had not got com- 
mitted, Slade had stolen away; and the Devil seemed to 
be let loose against you. If you had made a tour, as you 



* The official vote at this congressional election is given herewith. If Gov. 
Edwards had been in the field in season and had made a serious canvass, there 
can be no doubt that he would have been triumphantly elected. In that case, 
probably neither Dunn, Breese, nor Webb would have been candidates, and 
Edwards would have received a great majority of the votes given to them. 

Abstract of Votes for Representative in Congress for ist Dis- 



TRICT AT AN 


Election 


HELD ist 


Monday in 


Augusi 


, 1832: 


Counties. 


Chas. Slad 


e. N. Edwards 




Chas. Dunn. 


S. Breese. 


Henry L. Webb. 


Gallatin, 


533 


- 228 


- 


211 


I90 


- 


Pope, 


- 78 


53 


- 


334 - 


2 


3 


Johnson, 


5o 


70 


- 


169 


3 


37 


Alexander, 


2 


26 


- 


1 


19 


184 ' 


Union, - 


245 


68 


- 


- 


47 


- 78 


Jackson, - 


- 143 


- 46 


- 


- 


152 


1 


Franklin, 


83 


39 




294 - 


59 


- 36 


Perry, 


- 81 


33 


- 


- 


9i 


- 


Randolph, 


157 


61 


- 


- 


301 


8 


Monroe, - 


- 92 


81 


- 


- 


173 


- 


St. Clair, 


198 


- 4i7 


- 


- 


262 


- 58 


Washington 


, - 80 


75 


- 


1 


39 


11 


Clinton, 


195 


- 63 


- 


- 


21 


1 


Bond, 


- 175 


30 


- 


10 


127 


33 


Madison, 


159 


- 703 


- 


- 


160 


- 78 


Macoupin, 


- 199 


- 85 


- 


- 


24 


23 



2470- 



2078 



1670 



551 



600 THE EDWARDS PAPERS. 

expected to do, I can not doubt you would have got a 
good vote. Your friend and ob't ser't, 

David J. Baker. 

P.S. — Old Will is very hostile to you. John Dougherty, 
a young lawyer, is elected a representative from Union; 
Alex'r M. Jenkins from Jackson; Rich'd Murphy and 
[David] Raldrige from this Co. and Perry; and Mather 
to the Senate. Old Will is, I doubt not, elected. D. J. B. 

Hon. N ini ax Edwards, 

Belleville, Illinois. 



INDEX 



Adams Co , Illinois, vote for gov., 
1826, 251 n; vote for cong., 1834, 
36811; mention, 566m 

Adams, Gen. James, vote for lieut- 
gov., 1826, 251 n; mention, 336, 
385, 460, 572. 

Adams, John Quincy, letter (litho- 
graphed), 221; secretary of state, 
I28n, 129, 221, ib. n; envoy to Rus- 
sia, 180; his strength, 1823, 210; 
unable to find Gov. E.'s recom- 
mendations as territorial gov., 221- 
2; president, 238; his magnanimity 
when president, 263; letter to, on 
Indian titles, 304; mention, 139; 
ib. n, 140, i85n, 206 n, 22m, 224, 
230, 234, 236, 238, 241, 242, 246m 
281, 282, 340n, 430, 432, 567. 

Adams party in 111., 353, 41611, 433, 
442. 

Adkins, Mr., mention, 596. 

Akers, Thos., signer of petition, 76. 

Akers, Wm., signer of petition, 76. 

Alabama, mention, 137, ib. n, 138, 
139, ib. n, 140, 141, 577m 

Albany, N.Y., mention, 81, 337. 

Albemarle Co., Va., mention, 372. 

Albin, Isaac, signer of pe'.ition, 77. 

Albin, James, signer of petition, 77. 

Alexander, Capt., of Pope Co., men- 
tion, 441, 442. 

Alexander Co., 111., vote for gov., 
1826, 251 n; congressional vote, 
1832, 599 n; mention, 237, 238, 
38m, 384, 45311. 

Alexander, Dr., candidate for legis- 
lature, 238; mention, I59n, 160. 

Alexandria, Va., mention, 239. 

Alexandria, 111., mention, 220. 



Allen's, Col., regiment, 1812, 99. 

Allen, Jas. C, member of Congress 
from 111., mention, 247 n. 

Alston, Mr., bad character of, 18; 
fraudulent conveyance to, 20; law- 
suit with, 21. 

Alton, mention, 160, 219, 584^ 587. 

America, 2811. 

America, 111., 596. 

American bottom, 4311. 

American State papers, reference to, 
55 n. 

Anderson, Mr., plenipotentiary to 
Columbia, death, 253 n, 254. 

Anderson, Mr., of Lebanon, men- 
tion, 572. 

Anderson, Col.,surveyorofKen , 535. 

Anderson, Amos, mention, 596. 

Anderson, Nathaniel S., signer of 
petition, 77. 

Anti - conventionist party, 219-20 ; 
think of running for legislature Gov. 
E., ib. ; who fears their defeat, 220. 

Archer, William B., canal commis- 
sioner, sketch, anecdote, 247 n \ 
mention, 394, 441, 442. 

Arkansas, mention, 29 n, 3111, 123 n, 
148, 407, 549. 

Armstrong, John, sec. of war, 95; 
mention, 98, 103, 106; indifferent 
to the perils of Illinois, 112, ib. n; 
mention, 98, 103, 119 m 

Arnold, Isaac N., lithographed letter 
to Marshall Field, 3; great historic 
value of the Edwards papers, ib. 

Arthabaska, mention, 82. 

Arthur, Chester A., born at Fairfield, 
Vt., 28m 

Astoria, N.Y., mention, 47m 

Atchinson, Mr., mention, 555. 

Atkinson, Gen., small force in com- 



602 



INDEX. 



mand, 300; orders to mounted rifle- 
men, 307; rapid movements alarm 
the Indians, 326. 

Atlantic Ocean, mention, 241. 

Atwater, Caleb, mention, 476. 



Bache, W. of Phila., mention, 263. 

Bairdstown, Ky., mention, 34, 35. 

Baker, David J., letter of, 551, 557, 
558, 559, 583, 586, 591, 592; to 
J. Mitchell, 596, 597; was willing 
to accept appointment as U. S. 
senator to fill vacancy, 551-2, 557; 
on appointments for 111., 558-60; 
sketch, 58411; on the cong. contest 
in the 1st cong. dist. of 111., 1832, 
583-4^ 583-5, 586-7, 591; intro- 
duces bill in Cong, for selling 40- 
acre tracts to settlers, 587; letter to 
James Mitchell, 592; favoring elec- 
tion of Gov. E. to Congress, 592-4; 
aids Gov. E. in his canvass, 596-7, 
states causes of Gov. E.'s defeat, 
597-600; gives vote in Union, Jack- 
son, Perry, and Randolph co's, 599; 
mention, 565 n, 566m 

Baker, Mrs. David J., applies for 
position of U. S. senator for her 
husband, 551. 

Baker, Edward D., member of Con- 
gress from III., 369 n. 

Balch, Mr. , of Nashville, mention, 567. 

Baldridge, Mr., mention, 600. 

Baldwin, Henry, member of Congress 
from Conn., 378. 

Balls, King, mention, 137. 

Bank of Columbia, 114. 

Bank of Edwardsville, 156, 157, 158, 
162, 375 n. 

Bank of Illinois, 420; charges against 
officers at Branch Bank at Edwards- 
ville, 270-1. 

Bank of Missouri, 156. 

Bank of Shawneetown, 156, 157, 158. 

Bank, United States, 378. 

Bankrupt bill rejected by Congress, 
1827, 269. 

Barbour, Jas., sec. of war, letter to 
on pay due militia in service, 319; 
see secretary of war. 

Barbour, John S., member of Con- 
gress from Va., 274, 283, 292, 295. 

Barbour, P. P., probable election to 
U. S. senate from Va., 267. 



Barker, Mr., contractor for carrying 
mail, 596. 

Barker, Lars, signer of petition, 78. 

Barnard, Daniel D., member of Con- 
gress from New York, 31 n. 

Barry, VVm. T., member of Congress, 
mention, 378; see postmaster-gen. 

Bartlett, S. M., of Galena, duel, 
565-6 n. 

Bate, Mr., lessee of salines, 129, 130, 
*3*> 132. 

Bates, Frederick, acting-gov. of Mo., 
letter on Indian depredations, 54; 
notice, ib. n. 

Bath, Me., mention, 179m 

Bayley, Thos. Haynes, anecdote, 43m 

Beacon, T/ie, reference, 515. 

Beaird, Mr., mandamus suit against 
Gov. E., 364-70. 

Beard, Win., private irr Capt. White- 
side's company, 113. 

Bell, Mr., mention, 448. 

Bellah, Reuben, signer of petition, 78. 

Belleville, cost of putting up build- 
ings in thought to be excessive, 
537 n, 538; home of Gov. E., men- 
tion, 234, 235, 237, 240, 243, 245, 
248, 249, 250, 254, 255, 258, 259, 
277, 280, 282, 289, 294, 298, 303, 
304, 306, 311, 318, 319, 327, 331, 
335, 338, 339, 343, 354, 360, 362, 
364, 370, 374, 375, 383, 384, 389, 

39*, 392, 394, 395, 398, 400, 402, 
403, 405, 407, 408, 409, 411, 413, 
418, 426, 433, 434, 443, 447, 452, 
453, 454, 457, 461, 464, 467, 47°, 
47i, 473, 476, 477, 485, 487, 489, 
495, 496, 5 ' 6, 517, 5i9, 520, 524, 
525, 530, 536, 537, ib. n, 538, 539, 
544, 547, 549, 552, 554, 563, 569, 
570, 571, 572, 573, 575, 577, 579, 
581, 582, 583, 586, 591, 592, 594, 
595, 597, 600. 

Bellevue, la., battle at, 154 n; men- 
tion of, 566 n. 

Benet, Mr., mention, 86. 

Bennett, Mr., mention, 136, 374; can- 
didate for III. senate, 580, 581. 

Benson Settlement, mention, 591. ' 

Benton, Thos. H., letter (lithog. ) on 
military appointment for Gen. Bis- 
sell, 145; letter on legal business of 
Mr. E. and on Mo. politics, 161; 
mention, 145 n, 378, 427. 

Benton's ( T. H. ) "Thirty Years' 
View" quoted, 179. 



INDEX. 



603 



Bernard, Mr., mention, 378. 

Berrien, John M., att'y gen'l, men- 
tion, 379n, 553. 

Berry, E. C, joint letter with Geo. 
Forquer on purchase by State of 
State paper, 376; mention, 497. 

Besong, Mr., Canadian trader, 88. 

Bibb, Dr. , appointed gov. of Ala. , 140. 

Bibb, Major, mention, 48. 

Big-Muddy Region, petit'n from, 71-8. 

Birkbeck, Morris, mention, 278-9 n. 

Bissell, Gen., seeks the military com- 
mand of Mo., 145-6. 

Black River, mention, 314. 

Black- Hawk War, letters written dur- 
ing campaign, 572, 589-9 1; notice 
of, 590m 

Blackwell, David, mention, 27811. 

Blackwell, Mr., mention, 531. 

Blackwell, Robert, of the Illinois In- 
telligencer, 122X).. 

Blair, Francis, removal to Washing- 
ton, 565; enmity with H. Clay, 566. 

Bledsoe, Mr., mention, 533. 

Blondo, Mr., mention, 65. 

Boilvin, N., letter to Hon. Wm. 
Eustis descriptive of Prairie du 
Chien, 181 1, 59-63; notice of, 59 n; 
mention, 138, 139; death, 292. 

Bolingbroke, Lord, mention, 317. 

Bond Co., 111., name, 44 n; vote for 
gov., 1826, 25m; cong. vote, 1832, 
599 n ; mention, 250, 385 n, 580, 

58i, 595- 

Bond, Shadrach, uncle of Gov. Shad- 
rach Bond, mention, 43 n. 

Bond, Shadrach, letter, 42, 93, 95, 
97, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 107, 
108, no, in, 113; to his consti- 
tuents, 114, 126, 146, 147, 152; 
sketch, 43-4^ reviews Maj. White- 
side's petition for militia appoint- 
ments, 42-6; gives name to Bond 
Co., 74 n; notice of his career as 
territorial delegate, 93 n; plans for 
defence of 111., 94; wants law for 
holding courts of chancery, ib. ; 
offers resolution for employing slaves 
at salines, 95; advises raising ten 
companies of rangers, 96; dislikes 
extra session of Cong., 97; asks 
for guard, 98; defends his military 
recommendations, 10 1; gives infor- 
mation of payment of 111. troops, 
102, 103, 106; interested in judicial 
appointments, 101, 103; gets bill 



before house on road from Shaw- 
neetown to Kaskaskia, 104, 106; 
how muster rolls should be made, 
107; unable to get cadet appoint- 
ments, 108; interested in post-roads 
and offices, no; friendship for Gov. 
E. and Benj. Stephenson, ib. ; ac- 
tion of Long, respecting 111. land 
claimants, 1 1 1 ; active in having 
rangers called into service, 112, and 
for their payment, 113; addresses 
his constituents, 114; is not ap- 
pointed sec. of state in 111., 114; 
governor, 146; furnishes census re- 
turns, 146; favors increased pay 
for land receivers, 146-7; wants 
money from salines turned over to 
State, 147-8; opposes Gov. E., 150; 
letter on senatorial election and 
saline leases, 153; mention, 147 n, 
180, 192, 203, 348, 349, 361, 471. 

Bond, Mrs. Shadrach, mention, 98, 
101, 104, 106. 

" Book of Treaties, The, " reference, 

3H- 

Boon's Lick, mention, 161, 516. 

Boston, Mass., mention, 443. 

Botts, John M., member of Congress 
from Va., 31 n. 

Bounty Tract, mention, 542. 

Bowling Green, Ken., mention, 258. 

Boyle, Gov. John, mention, 44. 

Branch, John, sec. of navy, mention, 
379 n. 

Breath, Rev. Jacob, of Ken., men- 
tion, 208. 

Breckenridge, Jas., popularity, 34. 

Bradley, P., letter on mail routes, 415. 

Breese, Sidney, letter, 268, 357, 374, 
383> 393> 47 1, 477, 543; commends 
Gov. E.'s inaugural, 268; new cir- 
cuits meets his approval, ib. ; has 
been nominated dist. att'y, would 
prefer office of circuit att'y, 269; 
his ambition in 1827, 268 n; U. S. 
senator, ib. ; wishes Gov. E. to 
defer ordering election, 357; sym- 
pathy for Mrs. Cook, 383; in case 
of death of Judge Smith would like 
to fill the vacancy on bench, 393-4; 
requests Gov. E. to appoint Lewis 
Morrison recorder at Kaskaskia, 
47 1; interested in survey of canal 
route, ib. ; writes for information 
concerning approval of canal lands, 
477; determined to make Reynolds 



604 



INDEX. 



choose between his paper, the Kas- 
kaskia Democrat and the Crisis, 543 
-6; preparing his reports, 545 ; dedi- 
cates them to Kane, 586; spoken 
of for judicial appointment, 555; 
cong. canvass, 1832, 572, 584, ib. n, 
585, 586, 594, 595, 596, 597-8; his 
vote by counties, 599 n; mention, 
388, 432, 460, 519. 

Brent, Robert, pay. -gen. of U. S. A., 
letters of, concerning payment of 
111. militia in active service, 78-9, 
83-5; mention, 106, 1 13. 

Bridges, Squire, mention, 238. 

Briggs, Geo. N., member of Congress 
from Mass., mention, 31 n. 

Brooke, Francis, of Va., owner of 
2000 acres in Ky. , wishes to have 
land resurveyed, 27. 

Brooks, Mr., mention, 453 n, 454, 533. 

Brooks and Fleming to become state 
printers, 537, 544. 

Brown, E., signer of petition, 77. 

Brown, E., lawyer of Ky., mention, 23. 

Brown's Hotel, Wash., mention, 231. 

Brown, Sashell, murdered by the In- 
dians, 56. 

Brown, Wm. H., mention, 354, 365, 
542; memoir of Daniel P. Cook, 
reference, 345-6 n. 

Browne, Mr., mention, 163. 

Browne, Judge Thos. C, residence 
at Shawneetown, 277 n; mention, 
287, 359, 442, 5", 545, 572, 584- 

Brownsville, 111., mention, 584, 598. 

Buck, Frederick, signer of petition, 77. 

Buck, Warren, signer of petition, 77. 

Buckner, Phil. C, signer of pet'n, 78. 

Buena Vista, battle of, mention, 58 n. 

Burke, Edmund, reference, 593. 

Butler, H., lessee of U. S. Saline, 
letter on workings of, 49-52; men- 
tion, 4911. 

Byrne, P., publisher in Phila., 92. 



Caddo, Texas, mention, 577m 

Cahokia, a county- seat, 73n, 74n: 
mention, 81 n, 82n, 93, 164; post- 
route from, to Madison court-house, 
no, 117. 

Caldwell, Mr., fees of, 24. 

Caldwell Co., Ky., mention, 29 n. 

Circuit courts, changes in, 268. 



Caldwell, Dr. Geo., early pioneer in 
111., notice, 2911. 

Caldwell, John, of Shawneetown 
Bank, letter on bank business, 
158; mention, ib. n. 

Calhoun, namegiven to Springfield, 
111., 211. 

Calhoun Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
25m; cong. vote, 1834, 36811. 

Calhoun, John C, letter (lithog. ), 210; 
speaks of presidential aspiiations 
and strength, ib. ; hopes that Gov. 
E. will not retire from political 
field, 210-1; name of Springfield 
changed to Calhoun after him, 211, 
ib. n; his influence invoked, 215; 
vote on the 111. and Mich. Canal, 
267; unfriendly relations while vice- 
president with Pres. Jackson, 567-8, 
570; mention, 205, 211, 216, 223, 
254, 257, 263, 379, 455, 476. 

Campbell, Mr., candidate for Indian 
agency on the 111., 212; speech of, 
mentioned, 533. 

Campbell, Alexander, mention, 223, 
387, ib. n, 388, 389. 

Campbell, Thompson, member of 
Congress from 111., mention, 369 n. 

Campbell, Maj. Wm., assist, sup't, 
Galena mines, 436n, 438; mention, 
455, 533, 55 6 ; proposes to buy out 
Galena Advertiser, 540-3; negotia- 
tion broken off, 555. 

Camp Russell, mention, 85. 

Canada, mention, 81, 434; expedition 
against, 1812, 79. 

Canadian traders buy Prairie du 
Chien, 60. 

Canal, see 111. and Mich. Canal. 

Canal, J. B. C, wishes name of 
author of communication, 466. 

Cape Cod, mention, 569m 

Carey, Joseph, signer of petition, 77. 

Carlisle, Ky., mention, 286, 290. 

Carlyle, 111., mention, 512. 

Carmi, mention, 443, 55 J, 58211. 

Carpenter, Mr., mention, 460. 

Carr & Farrer of St. Louis, mention, 

133- 

Carrollton, mention, 164. 

Carter, H. A., signer of petition, 76. 

Carter, John, signer of petition, 76. 

Cartright, Mr., mention, 482, 483. 

Casey, Zadoc, mem. of Congress from 
111., 32n; lieut.-gov., 233n; men- 
tion, 4i6n, 460. 



INDEX. 



605 



Cass, Gen. Lewis, mention, 306, 307, 

333- o r 

Cassville, Wis., mention, 282; first 

houses, 323. 
Catfish, a Pottawatomie, one of the 

murderers of four whites, 57. 
Catlet, Dr., seeks gov. appointment, 

29, 30. 

Caverly, Mr., mention, 459, 513. 

Chaffery, Ebs, signer of petition, 78. 

Chariton, mention, 212. 

Charles, a slave of Gov. E., 243. 

Charless, Joseph, first printer at St. 
Louis, letters offering to print laws 
of 111., 67, 91, 132; notice, 6711; 
caustic letter on Wm. Christy, 133. 

Charlottesville, Va., mention, 372. 

Cheek, Macker, signer of petition, 78. 

Cheek, Wm., signer of petition, 76. 

Chenier, Mr., mention, $2>. 

Cherokeesat war with theOsages, 134. 

Chesapeake, capture of, 101. 

Chester, 111., mention, 586. 

Chicago, mention, 3, 8, 329 n, 367, 
407, 426, 556; abandoned by U. S. 
troops, 80; line of forts from, to 
mouth of 111. River, and thence 
across Mississippi, 94; destined to 
be the greatest commercial point 
in 111., 439; proposed harbor for, 
464 n, 465; arrival of three vessels, 
1829, ib. ; regular communications 
between Galena, 1830, 534-5; Chi- 
cago Hist. Soc, gift of Edwards 
papers, 5, 8; their publication, 3; 
paper read before, 345 n; mention, 
21811. 

Chippewa Indians, 305, 306, 313, 314, 

315, 334- 

Chouteau, Auguste, letters on Indian 
affairs, 141-144; sketch, 14m; fac- 
simile of signature, 144. 

Chouteau, Peter, a suitable man for 
Indian agent of 111. Territory, 54; 
mention, 305. 

Chouteau, Pierre, mention, 141 n. 

Christian Co., 111., mention, 64 n. 

Christy, Wm., of St. Louis, mention, 
132 n, 133; letter to Jos. Charless, 

133- 

Churchill, Mr., member of Congress, 
mention, 587. 

Cincinnati, county-seat of County of 
Hamilton, N.-W. Ter., 73 n; men- 
tion, 279, 476, 529, 536, 541. 

Clark, Capt., of U. S. army, 321,322. 



Clark Co., Ill, vote for gov., 1826,' 
251 11; mention, 247, 441. 

Clark, Geo. Rogers, conquest of 111. , 
reference, 73 n; mention, 80 n. 

Clark, Jas. A., candidate for legisla- 
ture, 516. 

Clark, Judge, of Ken., mention, 70. 

Clark, Wm., letter, 57, 80, 134; as 
Indian agt. sends names of Indian 
murderers, 57; defenceless condi- 
tion of III., 8o-i; on III. Indians, 
134; gov. of Mo., ib. ; letters to, 
demanding immediate removal of 
Indians, 338, 339; mention, 215, 
305, 3*6, 335. 

Clarke, Matthew St. Clair, clerk of 
the house, Washington, 554. 

Clay Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
251 n; mention, 233 n. 

Clay, Henry, letter, 17, 24, 25; fac- 
simile of letter, 23 ; his father-in- 
law, Col. Hart, 18 n; early chirog- 
raphy, ib. ; youthful ambition, ib., 
23; training, 23; legal instructions 
to N. Edwards, 17-22, 24-6; law- 
yer for Mr. Edwards, 23, 26; presi- 
dential outlook, 1800, 23 ; needs 
money for building, 24; asks name 
of competent surveyor, 27 ; not 
made sec. , of war, I28n, 129; calls 
on Mr. Cook, 135; not a bantling 
of Mr. Monroe, 135; presidential 
aspiration, 137; strength in Ken., 
215, 216; appoints committeeon the 
Edwards - Crawford controversy, 
223, 224; letter to, on 111. and 
Mich. Canal and III. State politics, 
240; letter to, on causes of Mr. 
Cook's defeat and on political af- 
fairs, 259; Mr. Clay wishes to be- 
come agent for U. S. Bank, 378; 
unfriendly to Francis Blair, 566; 
mention, 223, 224, 240, 242, 248, 
256, 258, 259, ib. n, 263, 329 n, 
340, 428. 

Clear Lake, mention, 432, 441, 537. 

Cliff Creek (Ken.), land surveyed, 
1785, 27. 

Clinton Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
251 n; cong. vote, 1 832, 599 n. 

Clinton, Dewitt, vice-pres. , candidate 
for presidency, 33; mention, 257, 
264, 266, 281. 
Clinton Hill, mention, no, 117. 
Cobb, Thos. W., M. C, mention, 223. 
Codington, Mr. mention, 408. 



6o6 



INDEX. 



Cold Prairie, mention, 463. 

Cole, William T., murdered by In- 
dians, 56. 

Coles, Edward, register of Edwards- 
ville land office, 68 n; election as 
gov. the turning-point in destiny of 
111., I26n; his vote, ib. , 25211; men- 
tion, i5on, 190, ib. n, 250, 2;8n, 
329 n, 471; friends speak of him 
for a second term, 442. 

Columbia, mention, 269. 

Connecticut, mention, 2911, 3111, 32, 
10m, 236m 

Connor, Mr., mention, 598. 

Conway, Mr., mention, 442. 

Cook Co., named, 12411, 366n ; cong. 
vote, 1834, 36711, 36811. 

Cook, Daniel P., letter, 122, 128, 135, 
137, 138, lithog., 139, 145, 148, 149, 
159, 223, 242, 245, 248; his wife, 
249; reference to engraving of, 8; 
editor of Illinois Intelligence?; 122; 
sketch, 123-4^ 111. politics, 122-6; 
gives name to Cook Co., I24n; on 
purchase of land, 128-9; respecting 
Col. Lane and Henry Clay, 135-7; 
seeks appointment as sec'y of Ala. 
T'y> 137, ib. n, 139; Mr. Boilvin's 
accounts, 138-9; national politics, 
139-41 ; seeks appoint, for friend, 
145, 148-9; cong. canvasses, 145, 
159-61, I59n; on senatorial election 
in 111., 149; asks for hand of Julia 
Edwards, 164-5 '■> marries same, 
I24n; steps which he will take in 
Congress to vindicate Gov. E., 223; 
mention of some of G ov. E. 's friends 
and opponents in Wash., 223-4; 
placed upon committee of ways and 
means, 242, prob. that he may be- 
come post-mast, gen., 245-7; desires 
another election to Cong. , 248; gives 
Wash, news, ib. ; congratulates wife 
on birth of son, 249, ib. n; his defeat 
in 1826 regarded as disastrous to 
State, 25411, 255; its causes., 260-1 ; 
one of the founders of Waterloo, 
111., 278n; ill-health and labors at 
Wash., 269, 280, ib. n, 295; death 
and tribute to memory, 327; salary 
due him at time of death, 340; anec- 
dote of, 365 n; mention, 204, 223, 
230, 240, 245, 248, 249, 256, 259 n, 
260, 261, 266, 274, 281, 340n, 344, 
345", 35°, 39o, 535- 



Cook, John, son of D. P. Cook, men- 
tion, 12411, 249, ib. n. 

Cook, Julia, wife of D. P. Cook and 
daughter of N. Edwards, letter to, 
249; proposal for hand, 164, I24n, 
mention, 229, 230, 243. 

Cook, Wm., signer of petition, 76. 

Cooper, Mark A., mem. of Congress 
from Ga., mention, 3111. 

Cooper, Mr., journeyman printer, 492, 
514, 520, 521. 

Cooper, Col., of Ken., mention, 215. 

Cornelius, Dr., wounded in Black- 
Hawk War, 591. 

Cottman, Thos., mention, 382 n. 

Cowles, Alfred, letter, 369; views on 
mandamus suit, 369-70; mention, 
354, 365, 384, 417, 433, 436, 442, 
443, 445, 45°, 463, 464, 47$, 512, 
519, 524, 530, 587. 

Cox, Robert, signer of petition, 77. 

Cox, Col. Thos., letter, 153; favors 
election of Gov. E., 153-4; signer 
of petition, 7m, 76; mention, 173; 
register Springfield land-office, 205, 
ib. n ; one of the proprietors of 
Springfield, 21 1; keeps tavern, 336; 
indebtedness to Gov. E., 337. 

Coxe's, proposed post-office at, no. 

Craig, Thos. E., letter, 68, 85, 86; 
mention, 68 n ; signer of petition, 
71 n, 77; report on the Peoria ex- 
pedition, 85-90. 

Crain, Mr., mention, 285. 

Crane, John, signer of petition, 77. 

Crawford Co., Illinois, organization, 
name, 74; mention, 145, 150 n. 

Crawford's Hotel, mention, 178. 

Crawford, Wm. H., letter, 121, 129, 
180; gives name to Crawford Co., 
74 n; as sec. of war directs certifi- 
cation of accounts for supplies, 121- 
2; on "leasing salines, 129-32; on 
appointments, 180; letter to, ask- 
ing for information concerning ap- 
pointments, 171, letter to, on same 
and on presidential action respect- 
ing recommendations, 181 ; refer- 
ence to controversy with Gov. E., 
223-9, 223 n, 230-1, 372; seeks 
the presidency, 429; mention, 44n, 
12m, 162, 167, 177, 178, 180,210, 
216, 256, 286, 394. 

Creath, Mr., mention, 584, 585, 598. 

Crisis, The, see Kaskaskia Crisis. 

Crittenden, Mr., mention, 596. 



INDEX. 



607 



Crittenden, John J., letter, 48; de- 
clines to write Maj. Bibb, ib. ; sketch, 
48 n. 

Crittenden, Thos. T., letter, 56; re- 
signs commission of att. -general of 
111., ib. ; notice, 56 n. 

Crittenden, Thos. T., Jr., gov. of 
Mo., mention, 56 n. 

Cuba, Island of, mention, 123 n. 

Cumberland College, Princeton, Ky., 
mention, 286, 290. 

Cummings, Mr., mention, 163. 



D. 



Dad Joe's Grove, 111., mention, 32 n. 

Dana, Samuel Whittlesey, mem. of 
Cong, from Conn., mention, 32. 

Danville, Ky. , mention, 258. 

Danville, Penn., mention, 32 n. 

Davenport, Adrian, signer of petr- 
tion, 77. 

Davenport, Iowa, first settler at, 68 n. 

"David's Psalms", 102 n. 

Davis, James, signer of petition, 78. 

Dawson, Mr., mention, 483. 

Dayton, Wm. L. , nominated for vice- 
president, 246-7 n. 

Dearborn, Gen. Henry, mention, 
100, 101. 

Deckeson,Thos., signer of petition, 78. 

Delany, preacher at a camp-meeting, 
297. 

Delaware, mention, 123 n, 184. 

Dement, Mr., mention, 580. 

Democrat, The, see Kaskasksa Demo- 
crat. 

DePage, 111., mention, 591. 

Desha, Mr., candidate for governor 
of Kentucky, 217. 

DesMoines Rapids, mention, 425. 

Desouganinors, Mr., mention, 45. 

Detroit, mention, 83, 408. 

Dickson, Mr., mention, 83. 

Dixon, Mr., judge of probate and 
recorder at Peoria, mention, 274. 

Dodge, Henry, prowess in the Black- 
Hawk War, 590, ib. n. 

Dorris, Isaac, signer of petition, 77. 

Dorris, Thomas M., signer of peti- 
tion, 7m, 77. 

Doty, James Duane, sketch, 436 n; 
views on boundary line between 111. 
and Wis., 439-40. 

Dougherty, John, elected to the 111. 
House, 600. 



Douseman, Mr., mention, 317. 

Doyle, Maj., in command of Fort 
Massac, 1794, 55 n. 

Drayton, Wm., possible nomination 
for vice-president, 548. 

Drew, Mr., mention, 581. 

Drewyer, Chas., signer of petition, 76. 

Dromgole, Mr., legal proceedings 
against, 18; an absconding debtor, 
18, 20; alleged fraudulent convey- 
ance of land, 18, 20, 21; purchasers 
bound to pay Col. Hart, 20, 21, 24; 
sued in Tenn. courts, 24, 26; mort- 
gages given by D. and others, 26; 

Dromgole & Co. 's creditors to be gar- 
nisheed, 18; offer of change of 
security, 25. 

Dromgole, George C. , mem. of Con- 
gress from Va., 32 n. 

Drummond, Thos., reminiscence of 
Benj. Mills, 36511, 366m 

Dubuque City, 60 n. 

Dubuque, Julian, lead-mines of, 6011. 

Dudley, P., lawyer of Ky., mention, 
59, 79; volunteer in 1812, 79-80,99. 

Dunbar, Allen, signer of petition, 77. 

Duncan, Alex.,M. C. from Ohio, 3211. 

Duncan, Joseph, elected mem. Cong, 
from 111., I23n; elected governor, 
233 n; cong. canvass, 350, 351, 355, 
356, 361; opposes Gov. E.'s views- 
on land question, 495 ; handbill 
against Gov. E., 518; commanded 
brigade in Black-Hawk War, 572;. 
mention, 347, 348, 427, 429, 443, 
450, 452, 454, 478, 511, 519, 520, 
524, 532, 554, 559, 560, 571, 594. 

Duncan, Matthew, first editor in Illi- 
nois, I22n. 

Dunford & East's reports, 92. 

Dunn, Charles, cong. canvass, 1832, 
571, ib. n, 584; his vote by coun- 
ties, 599n; mention, 387, ib. n r 
388, 465. 

Dutch, Mr., mention, 584. 



Earminger, Edward, signer of peti- 
tion, 77. 

Eastman, Zebina, editor, 329 n. 

East's reports, 92. 

Eaton, John, sen. from Tenn., 23511;. 
sec'y of war, 379 n, 559, 579. 

Eaton, Rufus, second mem. of Cong, 
from Mo., 236 n. 



6o8 



INDEX. 



Echols, Jesse, of Alexander Co., 
mention, 238. 

Eddy, Henry, letter to, on guberna- 
torial canvass, 1826, 250; sketch, 
25211; mention, 27711, 285; men- 
tion of his paper, 284, 285, 287, 

293, 572, 584. 

Edgar Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
251 11; mention, 441. 

Edwards, Albert Gallatin, son of Gov. 
E., name notice, 74m 

Edwards, Benjamin, father of Gov. 
E., mention, 185 m 

Edwards, B. F., letter to, on politi- 
cal matters, 530-2. 

Edwards, Benjamin Stephenson (son), 
name, I20n; seeks appointment as 
receiver of Edwardsville land- office, 
399 ; why he was not appointed, 
428-9,446,450,451. 

lid wards Co., III., organization, name, 
7411; mention, 145, 278n, 387n; 
vote for gov., 1826, 251 n. 

Edwards, Cyrus, requested to bear 
message to John Reynolds, 530-2; 
interested in national road, 575. 

Edwards, Dr., mention, 448. 

Edwards, John, signer of petition, 77. 

Edwards, Margarette, mention, 334. 

Edwards, Ninian, letters of, to Presi- 
dent Monroe, 167, 224; to Jesse B. 
Thomas (lithographed), 176; to W. 
H. Crawford, 177, 181 ; to unknown 
111. politician, 192; to Rufus King, 
221; to Henry Clay, 240, 259; to 
A. G. S. Wight, 243; to Henry 
Eddy, 250; to Henry J. Mills, 264, 
270; to sec. of war, 298, 306, 343, 
398; to Pres. Adams, 304; to Jas. 
Barbour, 319; to sec. of treasury, 
32S; 10 John McLean, 343, 354; 
to Rich. J. Hamilton, 375; to Sam. 

D. Ingham, 395; to postmast.-gen., 
411 ; to John Reynolds, 418; to 
Geo. Graham, 472 ; to people of 
111., 496; to Cyrus and B. F. Ed- 
wards, 530; letters to, see letters; 
reference to this correspond., 6, 7; 
its value, 3. 

Personal Notices: 

Portrait, frontispiece; sketch of his 
life, 5, 6; early life, I7n; suit against 

E. Holland, 23, 26; asked to rec- 
ommend surveyor, 27; sues Mr. 
Richardson, 59, 79; named a son 



after Alb't Gallatin, 74n; Edwards 
Co. named after him, ib. ; sends 
communication, " View of Upper 
Country, "to Jos. Charless, 91 ; re- 
ceives offer for Ky. property, 99; 
through neglect of lawyers Richard- 
son gains legal advantage over him, 
ib. ; seeks appointment of U. S. 
cadet for a relation, 108 ; receives 
money from James B. Lane, 114; 
friendly relations with Col. Benj. 
Stephenson, I20n ; named son after 
him, ib. ; a daughter married to D. 
P. Cook, 12411; requested to recall 
a conversation with John Pope, 127- 
8, and to buy land for D. P. Cook, 
128-9; nas opportunity of sending 
daughters to Washington, 136; in- 
terested in Edwardsville Bank, 156, 
158, 162 ; demurrer entered in a 
suit against Mr. Paul, 161 ; Mr. 
Cook asks for the hand of his dau. 
Julia, 164-5; mention of his father's 
and his own friendship for W. Wirt, 
17911; worried over private affairs, 
202; has unproductive property in 
several states, 203; sickness, 205; 
sells four of his slaves to A. G. S. 
Wight, 243-5; sends money to S. 
Simpson, 263; seeks legal advice 
of Daniel Webster, 271; thinks of 
removing to Kentucky, 207-8; part 
owner of Sangamo Spectator, 328- 
31, 335-6; creditor of Col. Thos. 
^ ox » 337; sult against latter, 357; 
sells Sangamo Spectator, 363 ; re- 
quests accounts of Judge Young 
with Edwardsville Bank, 375-6; is 
offered 45 acres near Springfield 
for $350, 435; a loan is requested 
by Geo. Forquer, 435, 449; thinks 
of moving to Texas, 447 ; real 
owner of Galena Advertiser, 421, 
423; suit against Newhall, Philleo 
& Co., 542, 556; mention, 211, 212, 
217, 220, 221, 222, 224, 229, 231, 
235, 237, ib. n, 240, 243, 249, 250, 
252, 254^ 255, 258, 263, 264, 267, 
270. 

Professional, Political, and 

Official Notices: 

(a.) Before becoming gov. of 111. 

T'y. ; lawyer for Col. Hart, and 

receives directions as such from' 

Henry Clay, 17-22, 24-6; favor- 



INDEX. 



609 



able to Jefferson's election, 23; he- 
came candidate for Cong, in Ky., 
29 n; appointed judge of Ky. Ap- 
pellate Court, withdraws, ib. ; so- 
licited to become candidate for 
presidential elector, 33, and for 
Congress, ib. ; requested to give 
names of voters in the Green-River 
country, 34. 
(b.) While gov. of 111. T'y., 1809- 
18; reference to this period, 5; ap- 
pointment endorsed by John Pope, 
39; advised by Pope not to be too 
solicitous to please his enemies, ib., 
and not to permit militia to elect 
their officers, 40; removal by Gov. 
E. of Rector and appointment of 
Morrison a mistake, ib. ; friendship 
for N. Pope, ib. ; a petition from 
Maj. Whiteside for militia appoint- 
ment the occasion of a letter from 
S. Bond, 43; thanked by A. Gal- 
latin for information concerning the 
saline, 46; offers the att. -general- 
ship of 111. T'y to J. J. Crittenden, 
offer declined, 48 n ; as supt. of 
salines, requested to make lease, 
establish bounds, prescribe officers' 
duties, etc., 49.52; authority in- 
voked to lease mineral lands of 
U. S., 52-3; depredations of Indi- 
ans living in 111. brought to his 
notice, 54-5, 56-7; receives resig- 
nation of Att. -Gen. Thos. T. Crit- 
tenden, 56; the firing upon Indians 
passing up the Mississippi the sub- 
ject of communication from Gov. 
Howard, 66, and Capt. Wm. B. 
Whiteside, 66-7, who encloses the 
report of S. Whiteside, 63-5 ; re- 
ceives proposals for printing laws 
of territory, 67-8, 92; calls out 
company of militia, but counter- 
mands the order, 68-9; favors ap- 
pointment of J. Taylor as receiver, 
69; petition sent him for making 
offices in new counties elective, 71- 
8 ; creates by proclamations new 
counties, 74 n; forwards to Wash- 
ington muster-rolls of militia in 
active service, 78; is assured that 
they will be paid by U. S., 78-9; 
in 1 812, asked in vain for more 
U. S. troops, 80-1 ; promised aid 
from Ky., 81 ; seeks for information 
concerning Canadian trade and 

39 



northern military outposts, 81-3 ; 
urges payment by U. S. of Illinois 
troops, 83-5 ; receives report of 
capture of Peoria, 85-90; issues 
address to St. Clair Co. militia, 92; 
asks U. S. officials for more troops, 
93, and command of the same, 94; 
advises raising companies of rang- 
ers, ib., as also the building of gun- 
boats for protection of 111., 98 ; 
requested to furnish guard for S. 
Bond, 98, and to give information 
concerning the number of hostile 
Indians, ib. ; thinks fall of Maiden 
very disastrous, 100; to make ar- 
rangements for furnishing 111. troops 
with rations, 102; the payment of 
111. rangers subject of several com- 
munications, 102, 106, 107, 113 ; 
saline leases source of trouble, 105; 
directions concerning muster-rolls, 
108; proposes post -routes, no; 
does not receive pay as commander 
of 111. troops, no; not. to have 
command in future, 112; his plans 
for the' protection of 111. to be laid 
thereafter before the president, ib. ; 
directed to supply wants of Kas- 
kaskia Indians, 119, and to lease 
newly - discovered salt - lick, ib. ; 
asked to favor appointment of Mr. 
Bond as sec. of 111. T'y, 126; set- 
tlement with former lessees of 
salines left in his hands, 129-32 ; 
friends urging his appointment as 
sec. of war, 137, 140; requested to 
certify accounts of N. Boilvin, 138- 
39; appoints A. Chouteau Indian 
agent to negociate treaty with In- 
dians, 141 ; Mr. Chouteau asks for 
instructions, 141-4; an appointment 
solicited for Capt. Dillard, 145. 
{c.) While U. S. senator, 1818-24; 
reference to this period, 5, 6; elected 
U. S. senator, 145 n, I46n; mili- 
tary services of Gen. Bissell brought 
to his notice, 145-6; requested to 
furnish statement of number of 111. 
inhabitants, 146; urged to favor in- 
creased pay for land receivers, 146- 
7, and to secure for 111. rents of all 
salines, 147-8; drew the short term 
for senator, 148 n; his re-election, 
148 n, 149, 149 n, 153, 155; causes 
of his opposition, 155, 155 n ; Mr- 
Cook solicits his political aid, 160- 



6io 



INDEX. 



i ; differences with Sen. Thomas 
concerning 111. appointments, i6jn, 
173; friendly to Guy W. Smith, ib., 
174, 175, but opposed to Philip 
Foulke, 167, 167 n, 169-72; offers 
to divide appointments with col- 
league, 167 n, 178, 182-3; consid- 
ers that each part of 111. should 
have its quota of offices, 169; op- 
posed to the nomination of E. 
Humphrey, I76n, 178; wishes for 
papers as also for date of Mr. Jones' 
appointment, and names of E. 
Humphrey's securities, 178; the 
information furnished, 1S0; views 
on relation of senators to nomina- 
tions by presidents, 181 5 ; asked 
for information concerning pay- 
ments for land, 191 ; resolved to 
decline another election to U. S. 
senate, 194, 202, 203 ; has done 
more for friends than these have 
done for him, 194-6; the recognized 
head of his party in 111., 198, 200 ; 
urged to hasten appointments, 204; 
Pres. Monroe notifies him who is 
to be appointed, 205; is requested 
by Calhoun not to retire from poli- 
tics, 210; James Latham wants his 
influence toward getting Indian 
agency, 212; Duff Green urges him 
to use influence with Calhoun to 
get increased compensation for mail 
contract, 215; sends public docu- 
ments to Solomon P. Sharp, 216; 
solicited for appointment as clerk 
in gen. land-office by Thos. Lippin- 
cott, 218-19; Mr. E. an anti-con- 
ventionist, 219-20; expressions of 
friendship for Rums King, 221 ; 
wishes copy of his recommendation 
as territorial gov., but they can 
not be found, 221-2. 

{d. ) Minister to Mexico and candi- 
date for gov. ; controversy with 
Crawford, 1824-6; notice of this 
period, 6 ; congratulated by Gen. 
Jackson on election, 222; Rufus 
King sends him the vote, reference 
to Mr. Crawford, attack upon him, 
223-31; letter to Pres. Monroe, re- 
signing his mission to Mexico, 224- 
9 ; John Sloane requests a letter 
endorsing Sloane's political course 

• and private character, 229-30; re- 
quested to become candidate for 



gov., 234, 237; Felix Grundy hopes- 
to meet him at Edwardsville court, 
235; Gen. Houston gives his recol- 
lections of two interviews, 239-40; 
interested in the 111. and Mich. 
Canal and interests Henry Clay in 
that measure, 241 ; speaks of be- 
coming candidate for gov., ib. ; his 
canvass for gov., 250-2; notice of 
the canvass and his power as can- 
vasser, 250 n; his vote by counties, 
251 n; his course in the canvass 
deemed by John Marshall injudici- 
ous, 254; opposed to State banks, 
25411, 255; Mr. Green tells him he 
must come out against Crawford, 
256, and that Jackson and Calhoun 
are his friends, 256-7. 
(V. ) Gov. of 111. and in private life,. 
1S26-32; reference to. this period, 
6; expresses his friendship for H. 
Clay, 259-60; the canal a popular 
measure in 111., 260; think a feel- 
ing of security was the cause of Mr. 
Cook's defeat, 260-1 ; was himself 
opposed by the Jackson interest, 
thinks that he will not commit him- 
self to either Adams or Jack-on, 
262; lies circulated about him, 261, 
262, 264-6; determined to advocate 
reform, 264-5; anxious about Cal- 
houn's vote on the canal bill, 267; 
his inaugural highly spoken of, 268; 
some of his proposed measures 
adopted, 268; change in the num- 
ber of circuits, ib. ; Sidney Dreese 
wishes appointment as circuit-att., 
268-9; charges officers of the branch 
bank of Edwardsville with corrup- 
tion, 270; witness to prove the al- 
legation, 270-1 ; advises certain 
changes in mail -routes to which 
Postmast. - Gen. McLean objects, 
277-8; calls extra session of legis- 
lature, 278-80 ; writes letter in 
favor of Mr. Street, 283, 284; in- 
quiries are made of Mr. E. con- 
cerning the law against bank delin- 
quents, 285, 303; Mr. E.'s sincerity 
to his political friends referred to, 
294; a letter from Mr. E. to Gen. 
J. M. Street thought to be an order 
for a draft, 298; Gov. E. calls into 
service 500 mounted volunteers, 
and requests of the pres. additional 
troops, 298-300; the draft stated 



INDEX. 



6ll 



to be in progress, 301; writes Pres. 
Adams respecting Indian hostilities, 
305, 306-7; requests their removal 
from 111., 305, 309; asks for U. S. 
troops, 307-9; requested to aid in 
the establishment of a mail -route 
to Prairie du Chien, 322, and to 
use influence to make Mr. Street 
commissioner to treat with Winne- 
bagoes, 327 ; asks for instructions 
concerning locating seminary lands, 
328 ; demands immediate removal 
of Indians from ceded lands in 111., 
338-40, 343; requested to forward 
accounts of Dan'l P. Cook against 
governmt., 340-1 ; favors the elec- 
tion to cong. of Geo. Forquer, 347- 
52; views on necessity of keeping 
national politics out of mind in local 
and State elections, 352 ; wishes 
John McLean of 111. to form a 
political alliance with G. Forquer, 
347-57; requested to delay order- 
ing election to fill vacancy, 357 ; 
mandamus suit against him as gov. , 
364-70; requested to furnish infor- 
mation concerning purchase by 
State of state paper, 376-7; views 
on the land question, 378-9, 380; 
requested to correct mistake of 
name on a commission, 384; views 
on land quest., 384; people pleased 
with his message, ib. ; appointments 
of canal commissioners give satis- 
faction, 385; requested to appoint 
W. Porter treasurer of that board, 
ib. ; interested in appointment of 
Mr. Harlan and Alex. Campbell, 
387-9, 394; in case of death of 
Judge Smith, is requested to fill 
the vacancy by appointment of S. 
Breese, 391 ; interest in appoint- 
ments of canal board, 394-5 ; letter 
on money due State from U. S., 
395-7; letter on survey of 111. and 
Mich. Canal, 398; influence with 
president, 399; seeks appointment 
for son Benj. as receiver at Ed- 
wardsville, 399 ; finds the indict- 
ment papers of Winn lost, 402-3; 
is asked for appointment on canal 
board should there be a vacancy, 
404; writes to postmast.-gen. con- 
cerning mail-routes, 41 1-4; answer, 
415; is willing to cooperate with 
Reynolds if the wishes of the party 



are consulted and respected, 419 ; 
as against Kinney, is in favor of 
Reynolds, 420, 426; agrees with 
Reynolds' views on State Bank 
and Illinois' right to vacant lands 
within her limits, 420 ; urged not 
to retire from politics, 429, but to 
be candidate for senatorship, 429; 
requested by John Reynolds to 
have published address to people, 
432; applies for the extradition of 
Paul Vallad, 434; requested to an- 
swer communication of Judge Doty 
respecting the boundary- line be- 
tween Wis. and 111., 439-40; Reyn- 
olds requests Gov. E.'s aid, 441-2, 
464; is urged to send testimonials 
to Washington favorable to appoint- 
ment of Benj. Edwards as receiver 
of Edwardsville land -office, 446, 
450-1 ; must not allow himself to 
become hostile to Jackson, 452 ; 
wishes information as to whether 
Kinney or Reynolds will be en- 
dorsed by Galena Advertiser, 455; 
Kinney trying to make capital out 
of all prejudices against Gov. E., 
461 ; is informed of progress in the 
survey of the canal, 465 ; requested 
to meet canal commissioners and 
to favor the making of a harbor at 
Chicago, ib. ; writes anonymously 
communication to Galena Adver- 
tiser, 466-7 ; thinks of calling an 
extra session, 470 ; requested to 
appoint Lewis Morrison recorder 
at Vandalia, 47 1; his selection of 
seminary lands along line of canal 
rejected by the president, 472-4 ; 
value of lands along the canal 
compared with lands in centre of 
the State, 473-4; his thorough un- 
derstanding of all the interests of 
the State, 47311; information asked 
concerning approval of canal lands, 
477; address to people of III, 497- 
508; refers to an anonymous com- 
munication of E. K. Kane, 496- 
508 ; possible candidacy for sena- 
torship, 497; his popularity, 497- 
8; reduction of taxes in 111. through 
his measures, 499-500; views con- 
cerning public lands, 503; his terms 
of office, 507; publishes communi- 
cation on the canal, 516; candidate 
for the senate, 517, 519; Duncan's 



6l2 



INDEX. 



political attack, 518; wishes Reyn- 
olds to write against slavery, 530-1 ; 
aids Reynolds in his contest with 
Kinney, 531-2; reference to views 
on slavery in 111., 536; thinks Mr. 
Field's continuance in office (sec. 
of State) depends upon future atten- 
tion to business, 546; appoints D. 
J. Baker U. S. senator to fill va- 
cancy, 551 n; urged hy Gi-een to 
become candidate for cong., 553; 
sends letter to Jackson recommend- 
ing Mr. Prince for Indian agent, 
558; his letter and speeches for- 
warded to the "North -American 
Review," 569; urged to come out 
for cong., 570; his exhaustive ex- 
amination of the public land ques- 
tion, 574; gives letters of introduc- 
tion to John Shackford, 577; ad- 
vocates State convention for nomi- 
nation of presidential electors, 580; 
his cong. contest, 1832, 584-6, 584^ 
586-7, 591 ; causes of his defeat, 
597-600; his vote by counties, 599. 

Edwards, Mrs. Ninian, mention, 52, 
53, 95. 97,*i02, 104, 106, 137, 138, 
164, 220, 327, 335, 549. 

Edwards, Ninian W., presents to Chi. 
Hist. Soc. the Edwards Tapers, 5; 
mention, 596, 598. 

Edwards' (Ninian W. ) "History of 
111. and Life of Ninian Edwards", 
reference and quotations, 7, 48 n, 
18511, 210, 327. 

Edwards, Presley, mention, 207, 447, 
451. 

Edwards, Rev. Mr., mention, 445. 

Edwardsville, mention, 67 n, 68 n, 
i2on, 124, 142, 143, 144, 157, 158, 
161, 163, 164, 192, 218, 235, 241, 
^49, 322, 323, 329, 442, 449, 457, 
532; treaty with Indians at, 14m; 
: see Bank; land -office, 191, 354, 
399, 428, 450, 456. 

Edwardsville Corrector, 292-3, 295. 

Edwardsville Republican, 329. 

Egypt, The, of Illinois, 388 n, 453-4. 

Elkins, Mr., mention, 483. 

Ellen, a slave of Gov. E., 245. 

Elliot, Jonathan, editor, mention, 153. 

Ellis, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 

Ellis, Wm., Jr., signer of petition, 77. 

Elvirade, home of Mr. E., 78n, 90, 
in, 112, 114. 

Enos, Mr., receiver of Springfield 



land-office, 205, ib. n, 391 ; one of 
proprietors of Springfield, 211. 

Equality, 111., mention, 573; first 
county-seat of Gallatin Co., ib. n. 

Eustis, William, secretary of war, 
letter of N. Boilvin to, descriptive 
of Prairie du Chien, 59; mention, 
59", 63, 138. 

Evans, Geo., mem. of Congress from 
Maine, 3m, 179m 

Everett, Dr., mention, 230. 

Everett, Edward, mention, 579. 

Ewing, Mr., sheriff of Logan Co., 
Ky., 19, 25. 

Ewing, E. M., political controversy 
with C. Lyon, 291-2. 

Ewing, Wm. LeeD., letter, 233; seeks 
appointment from surveyor-general, 
ib. ; hopes Gov. E. will be elected 
sen., 234; mention, 170, 483, 494. 



Fairfield, Vt., mention, 28m 
Fairfield, Wayne Co., mention, 293. 
Farley, Edward, signer of petition, 77. 
Fayette Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 

25m; mention, 233 n. 
Ferguson's ferry, mention, 98, 120. 
Ferguson's Settlement, mention, 442. 
Fever River called in 1703, "Riviere 

du Parisien", 6on; mention, 306, 

3*5- 
Fever-River district, Indian hostilities 
at, 306; 3000 miners driven from 
mines, miners despise Indians, 313; 
number of the miners, 323; men- 
tion, 243 n, 321, 322, 323, 324, 

354, 365", 385". 

Ficklin, Mr., mention, 31. 

Field, A. P., letter, 381, 383, 452, 453, 
486, 538, 546, 571, 572, 580, 594; 
deputized to inform Gov. E. of In- 
dian hostilities, 306, 308; sketch, 
38i-2n; on official business, 381-2, 
384; urges Gov. E. to be candidate 
lor U. S. senate, 384; absence from 
111., 407; toast, 410, 433; favors 
Reynolds election for gov., speaks 
at Reynolds' meetings, 453; aids in 
election of Gov. E.'s friends to leg- 
islature, ib. ; anxious about his con- 
tinuance in office, 538; term of office 
as sec'y of State of III., ib. n; runs* 
for Cong, in opposition to Duncan, 
571 ; answers at Lebanon arguments 



INDEX. 



613 



of Sidney Breese, 572; opposes Gov. | 
E. 's views on the land question, 573 
-4; his views reviewed by Wm. J. 
Gatewood, 574-5; writes in behalf 
of Mr. Bennett, a candidate for 
State senate, 580- 1; aids Gov. E. 
in his cong. canvass, 594, 595; his 
ill-health and conduct of his clerk, 
486-7; mention, 453, 459, 580. 

P'ield, Green B., mention, 150, ib. n; 
death, 515. 

Field, Marshall, letter (lithographed), 
3 ; offers to defray expense of pub- 
lishing Edwards papers, 3, 8. 

Fillmore, Millard, mention, 3 m, 48 n. 

Finney, Judge, of Johnson Co., men- 
tion, 238. 

Fisher, Dr., mention, 15911, 160. 

Flat Island, near Peoria, mention, 88. 

Fleming, Mr., printer, 545, 548, 596. 

Fletcher, Mr., mention, 483. 

Florida Canal, 267. 

Floridas, cession of the, 140. 

Ford, Robert, father of Gov. Thos. 
Ford, 278m 

Ford, Thomas, back out from being 
justice of peace, 436; gov., ib. n; 
mention, 278, 407, 456, ib. n, 478, 
479, 480, 519; see Ford & Steph- 
enson. 

Ford's (Thos.) "History of Illinois", 
reference to, 345 n, 346 n. 

Ford & Stephenson, editors of Miners' 
Journal, 438. 

Forquer, Geo., letter, 278, 364, 376, 
387, 39i, 394, 403, 434, 447, 459, 
479, 494, 5 ro , 5 12 , 5*6, 518, 524; 
asserts that the call of the legisla- 
ture made in the interest of Sanga- 
mon Co. is unwise, 278-81 ; refers 
to the embarrassed condition of the 
State treasury, 279; sketch, 278-9 n; 
mention, cong. canvass, 347, 350, 

35i, 352, 353, 354, 355, 361, 432; 
asks for information concerning pur- 
chase by State of state indebtedness, 
376-7 ; views concerning certain 
appointments, 387-94 ; detained 
from post of duty by illness of 
wife, 391-2, 403; interest in the 
canal, 404; poverty, 434-6; att'y- 
gen. of State of 111., 442-3; sharp 
practice with respect to the paper 
at Springfield, 447-50; his plan 
fails, 460; disgusted with politics, 
459-63,479.81,484.5; thanks Gov. 



E. for appointment of his brother, 
477; mention, ib. n; chagrined at 
appointments of Jesse B. Thomas, 
478; describes political parties in 
111., 479-80, 482.5; resolved to 
resign his office, 481 ; distrusts 
McLean, 481.2, 483; fears Reyn- 
olds' defeat, 484 ; praises Kane, 
485; the gubernatorial contest of 
1830, 494-5, 5!0- T 3, 516.20, 524; 
his poverty, 513; mention, 580. 
Forquer, Mrs. George, ill-health, 389, 

39i, 395- 

Forquier Co., Va., mention, 43 n. 

Forsythe, John, mem. Congress from 
Ga., 224; spoken of for cabinet 
position, 353. 

Forsythe, Thomas, pay as Indian 
agent increased, 81 ; unfavorable 
mention, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90. 

Forsythe, Thomas, & Co., charges 
against, 86. 

Fort Adams, mention, 30. 

Fort Chartres, date of building and 
strength, 55 n. 

Fort Clark evacuated, 144. 

Fort Edwards, mention, 425. 

Fort Erie, capture, 101. 

Fort George, capture of, 100, 101. 

Fort Madison, mention, 63, 66. 

Fort Massac, mention, 55; brief his- 
tory of, 55n. 

Fort Massacre, name for Fort Massac, 

55 n - 

Fort Milburn, mention, 589; its posi- 
tion, 589_90n. 

Fort St. Joseph, 82 m 

Fort Washington, near Cincinnati, 
mention, 73 m 

Fort Winnebago, 385 n, 543. 

Foulke, Philip, recommended as mar- 
shal of 111., 147; nomination as 
register of Palestine land-office op- 
posed by Mr. Edwards, 152, 167.72. 

Fowle, Major, mention, 317. 

Fox, Charles, mention, 593. 

Fox Indians should be supplied from 
Prairie du Chien, 62; treaty with, 
305. 

Fox River, mention, 314, 315, 528. 

France, mention, 47 n. 

Frankfort, Ky., mention, 48n, 58, 79, 
98, 143, 208, 258, 412, 413. 

Franklin, mention, 212, 214, 215. 

Franklin Co., 111., organization, 74 n; 
vote for gov., 1826, 25m; cong. 



614 



INDEX. 



vote, 1832, 599n; mention, 594, 595. 
Frazean, James, signer of petition, 77. 
Frazier, Mr., mention, 24. 
Fremont, John C, nomination for 

president, 246 n ; opposition to 

choice, unfortunate selection, 24711. 
French - Canadians at Prairie du 

Chien, 60. 
French and Indian war, mention, 5S n - 
French map of 1703, mention of, 6on. 
French trader who would not come 

to under orders, 64, 65. 
Fulton Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 

25-in; vote for congressman, 1834, 

368; mention, 323, 566m 



Gaillard, John, senator from vS. C, 
mention, 179, il>. n. 

Gaines, Gen., mention, 305, 573. 

Galena, its lead -mines known in 1703, 
6011; miners driven away by In- 
dians, 298.9; called "Meeker's 
Point" and "The Point", 365 n, 
436 n; congressmen who lived in, 
369n; business depression, 400, 422 
.5,426; gayety in winter, 475, ib. n; 
vote for gov., 1830, 532.3; steam- 
boat arrivals, 1830, 555; sketch of 
the press, 565 .6 n; mention, 120, 
236n, 2 4 3n, 25cm, 323, 324, 366n, 
367 n, 36811, 36911, 387, 389, 406, 
408, 421, 436, ib. n, 456, 467, 473, 
489, 514, 520, 532, 537, 555, 565n, 
566m 

Galena Advertiser comes out for Reyn- 
olds, 467 ; its proprietors, 465 n ; 
discontinued, 565 n; proposals to 
sale of establishment, 540.1; nego- 
tiation broken off, 555; mention, 
408, 437, 454, 514, 527, 569. 

Galena Gazette, mention, 566m 

Galenian, The, mention, 565 n. 

Gales, Mr., public printer, mention, 
94, 114. 

Gallatin, Albert, letter (lithographed), 
46; sketch, 46.7^; fac-simile of 
letter, thanks Gov. E. for report on 
haline, 46.7; friend of Gov. E., 
who names after him a son and a 
county, 74n; mention, 140. 

Gallatin Co., 111., name, 47n; organi- 
zation and name, 74n; vote for gov. , 
1826, 25m; cong. vote, 1832, 599n; 
mention, 145, 15911, 254 n, 261, 



27711, 282, 344, 411, 442, 573 n, 
595, 596. 

Gard, Bailey, signer of petition, 76. 

Gardenier, Berent, mem. Cong, from 
New York, notice, 32. 

Gatewood, Wm. J., letter, 573; resi- 
dence at Shawneetown, 27711; en- 
dorses views of Gov. E. on the 
public lands, as opposed to those 
advocated by A. P. Field, 573-5; 
sketch of "Jeff" Gatewood, 57311; 
mention, 584. 

Gatton & Enos, mention, 330. 

Genius of Liberty, The, reference to, 

329- 
Georgetown, mention, 79. 
Georgetown, Ky., mention, 221. 
Georgia, mention, 3111, 410, 567. 
Georgia cession question in Cong., 30. 
Ghent, treaty of, reference to, 4711. 
Gilbert's, Mr., legal release, 21. 
Gillespie, Joseph, reminiscences of 

Gen. S. L. Whiteside, 64 n ; of 

Emanuel J. West, 446 n; of John 

Grammar, 453 n. 
Golconda, mention, 145, 57m. 
Gomo, chief of band of Pottawato- 

mies, gives names of Indians who 

had murdered whites, 57. 
Goodwyn, John, signer of petition, 77. 
Goshen, Madison Co., residence of 

John Reynolds and Wm. B. White- 
side, 66. 7n, 163, i63n; mention, 

66, 133. 
Goss, Leonard, of Galena, mention, 

422, 423, 491. 
Graham, George, sec'y of war, 139; 

commissioner to general land-office, 

letter to on selection of seminary 

lands, 472; mention, 536. 
Graham, Richard, mention, 143, 144. 
Grammar, John, sketch, 453.4 n; 

mention, 597. 
Grand Kan Kanlin, mention, 314. 
Grand Portage, 82, 83. 
Grand River., mention, 82. 
Grant Co., Wis., mention, 282. 
Grant, Col., mention, 70. 
Grant, Mr., to be public printer, 545 ; 

mention, 575. 
Gratiot's Diggings, mention, 323. 
Graves, William J., mem. Congress 

from Ky. ; mention, 3111. 
Grayham, Major, Indian agent on the 

Illinois, 212. 
Great Britain, mention, 47 n. 



INDEX. 



615 



Great Crossing, Ky., mention, 162. 

Green Bay, mention, 307, 439. 

Green, Duff, letter, 212, 253, 256, 
266, 280, 379, 399, 427, 446, 450, 
488, 547, 552, 565, 570, 577; asks 
1.1OV. E.'s influence for getting in- 
creased pay on mail contract, 212; 
editor of Washington Telegraph, 
2i5n; Indian troubles on the Mis- 
souri, 215; wishes Mr. Cook to be- 
come minister to Columbia, 253 ; 
Mr. G.'s political course, 256.7; 
friendship for Gov. E., 257; views 
on Ky. politics, 258; on national 
politics, 266.7; the canal bill and 
Calhoun's vote, 267 ; gives sad 
account of Mr. Cook's health, 280; 
speculations concerning national 
politics, 281.2; views on land ques- 
tion, 378; advice as to the Gov.'s 
political course, 380; suggests writ- 
ing Pres. Jackson concerning ap- 
pointments, 396.400; Kinney seeks 
to control 111. appointments, 427; 
necessity of forwarding Benjamin 
Edwards' recommendations, 428, 
446, 450.1; does not wish Gov. E. 
to retire from politics, 429; Gen. 
Jackson to be candidate for re-elec- 
tion, 429; cabinet officers unfriendly 
to Gov. E., 447, 451 ; Gov. E. 
warned against West, 45 1 ; the for- 
mer must not become hostile to 
Jackson, 452; speculations concern- 
ing the presidential election, 488, 
547; wishes Kinney to be defeated, 
488.9; writes of cabinet dissention, 
553.4, 565; fears he may not be 
re-elected government printer, 565 
_6; Jackson- Calhoun controversy, 
566.9, 570; sides with Calhoun in 
his controversy with Jackson, 577 n, 
579; fears effects of nullification, 
578; condemns Jackson's abuse of 
patronage, 577 n, 578; hopes for 
VanBuren's defeat as minister to 
England, 578n, 579; mention, 210, 
28on, 557, 558, 559, 560, 561. 

Green, Rev. Mr., mention, 445. 

Green River, mention, 33, 34, 69. 

Green, W. B. , mention, 461, 467. 

Green Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
25 m; cong. vote, 1834, 368n; men- 
tion, 163, 250, 261, 433, 473. 

Griffith's, Capt., mention, 98. 

Griggs, Mr., mention, 584, 598. 



Griswold, Rogers, mem. Cong, from 

Conn., insult to, 29 n. 
Griswold, Judge Stanley, resignation, 

ioi; sketch, 101.2. 
Groch, Cornelius, murdered by the 

Indians, 57. 
Grundy Co. , organization, name, 235m 
Grundy, Felix, letter (lithographed) 

referring to the trial for murder of 

Mr. Winchester, 235; sketch, ib. n. 
Guard, David, signer of petition, 76. 
Guard, Timothy, signer of petition, 77. 
Gwinn, Edward, writ of attachment 

against, 26. 



H. 



Hale, Israel, signer of petition, 77. 

Hale, James, signer of petition, 77. 

Halifax, Nova Scotia, mention, 81. 

Hall, Mr. , editor of paper at Vandalia, 
mention, 440, 483, 484, 512, 519. 

Halsted's, mention, 572. 

Hamilton, Alexander, gives name to 
Hamilton Co., 73n; mention, 568. 

Hamilton Co. , til. , vote for gov. , 1826, 
25m; mention, 250m 

Hamilton Co., Northwestern T'y, 
organization, name, 73 n, 

Hamilton, Richard J., cashier of 
Edwardsville bank, letter to, on 
bank business, 375; mention, 533. 

Hamilton, W., signer of petition, 76. 

Hammond, Mr., mention, 161. 

Hamtrainer, Mr., Indian agent, 399, 
427. 

Hancock Co., 111., cong. vote, 1834, 
36811; its county-seat, 425; men- 
tion, 407, 439. 

Hancock, Dr., mention, 408. 

Hanson and Shaw controversy, refer- 
ence, 381 n. 

Hardin Co., 111., lead-mines, men- 
tion, 52 n. 

Hardin, Jeptha, judge, of Shawnee- 
town, mention, 170, 269, 277 n, 
294, 584. 

Hardin, John J., mem. Cong, from 
III, notice, 5811. 

Hardin, Martin J., letter, 58, 78, 98; 
reports progress of Gov. E.'s suits 
in Ky., 58.9, 78, 98; notice, 58n; 
on the fall of Maldin, 100. 

Hargrave, Gen., mention, 70, 149, 
276, 382. 

Harker, Mr., candidate for legisla- 



6i6 



INDEX. 



ture, 584; mention, 597, 598. 

Harlan, Mr., mention, 387, ib. n, 
388, 394, 441. 

Harlin, Mr. (Harlan?), mention, 441. 

Harper, Robert G., mem. Cong, from 
S. C, mention, 23. 

Harris, Robert, signer of petition, 77. 

Harrison, Mr., purchases Tenn. land 
from Dromgole, 20; is sued, 21, 24. 

Harrison & Blackburn, mention, 26. 

Harrison, Win H., asked for re-en- 
forcements, 80 ; commissioner for 
treaty with Indians, 305, 315, 317; 
president, 162 n, 382; mention, 43, 
45 ; the Harrison- Van Buren cam- 
paign, reference to, 3111. 

Hart, Col., father-in-law of Henry 
Clay,* i8n; legal business in the 
hands of Mr. E., 17.22, 24.6; un- 
willing to sacrifice his property, 19; 
gives the Alston family a bad name, 
20; in want of money, 24; ordered 
by Tenn. court to produce mort- 
gages, 26; the fee he offered to Mr. 
E., ib. 

Hasaltine, John, signer of petition, 77. 

Harvard College, mention, 38511. 

Hays, John, letter on Canadian trade 
and frontier posts, 81.3; notice, 
8i_2n. 

Head, Mr. , of Lebanon, mention, 572. 

Hempstead, Edward, first mem. Cong, 
from Mo., 23611; mention, 29n, 
93 n, 94; urges continuing rangers 
in service, 112. 

Hempstead, William, & Co., of 
Galena, 476. 

Henderson River, mention, 407. 

Henry, Capt., mention, 448, 449. 

Henry, John F., cong. canvass, 288. 
9, 289n, 291. 

Herndon, Mr., mention, 460. 

Hill, Mr., mem. Cong, from N. H., 
mention, 379 n, 381. 

Hillsborough, mention, 197. 

Hoge, Joseph P., mem. Cong, from 
111., 368.9 n; second in a duel, 
566m 

Holcomb, Dr., of Washington, men- 
tion, 280. 

Holland, Ephraim, of Scott Co., Ky., 
sued, 23 ; files injunction against 
Edward Gwinn, 26. 

Hopkins, Gen., army of, 86, 88, 89,90. 

Hotchkiss, Mr., postmaster and re- 
corder at Kaskaskia, 471. 



Houghton, Horace H., notice, 566m 

House of Representatives, Washing- 
ton, 1808, 31.3, 34; 1840, 31. 2n. 

Houston, Gen. Sam, letter giving 
recollections of interviews with 
Gov. E., 239.40; fac -simile of 
signature, 240. 

Howard, Gov. Benj., letter, 56, 66; 
Indian depredation, 56.7; notice, 
ib. n; on firing upon friendly In- 
dians, 66; discharges Capt. White- 
side's co., 109, 114, 115; mention, 
91, 105. 

Howard, Dr., surveyor of route for 
111. and Mich. Canal, 1829. 465. 

Hubbard, Adolphus Frederick, votes 
for gov., 1826, 250.111; lieut.-gov., 
notice, i5on; mention, 150, 277 n, 

293, 556. 

Hubbard, Ephraim, stabs a person at 
a camp-meeting, 297. 

Hull's, Gen., surrender, 100. 

Humphrey's, Edward, nomination for 
receiver at Kaskaskia opposed by 
Gov. E., but endorsed by Thomas, 
175, 176, ib. n, 177, 180, 184; 
notice of, 17611, I77n; his securi- 
ties, 180; declines running for Con- 
gress, 593. 

Hundley, John, of Ky., mention, 207. 

Hundley, Wm., of Ky., mention, 207. 

Hunsaker, Mr., of Union Co., men- 
tion, 238. 

Hunt, Mr., mention, 452. 

Hunter, Mr. , court decides against, 1 8. 

Hunter, R. M. T., of Va., speaker of 
the House, mention, 3m. • 

Huron, mention, 337, 494. 



lies, Maj., one of the proprietors of 
Springfield, 21 1. 

Illinois, mention, 3, 5, 6, 7, 29 n, 32 n, 
4*, 43 n > 47 "> 48, ib. n, 54, 55, 56n, 
57, 59, 67, 72, 73, 78, ib. n, 81, 84, 
85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 10m, 102, 
ib. n, 106, 107, 108, 109, no, in, 
114, 116, 117, 119, 120, 121, 122, 
ib. n, I23n, 126, 128, 132, 137, 138, 
139, 141, 143, 147, 15311, 159m 173, 
174, [82, i9on, 205, 2i8n, 219,221, 
222, 231, 233, 234, 240, 243, 248, 
254, 255, 258, 259, 264, 267, 277, 
281, 282n, 304, 306, 311, 318, 319, 
323, 326, 327, 328, 331, 335, 339, 



INDEX. 



61 



343, 344, 359, 364, 373, 378, 382, 
39i, 398, 4°5> 418, 426, 428, 434, 
458, 461, 466, 467, 471, 472, 476, 
477, 483, 485, 487, 489, 495, 496, 
516, 520, 524, 525, 530, 536, 537, 
538, 539, 547, 549, 552, 554, 557, 
559, 56o, ib. n, 563, 569, 570, 571, 
572, 573, 575, 577, 579, 581, 582, 
583, 58411, 591, 592, 595, 597, 600; 
address to people of, by Gov. X., 
496.508; delegation in Congress, 
32n; defenceless condition, 1814, 
112; poverty of lawyers, 434 n; 
militia, 1812.4, 78.9, 81, 83.5, 92, 
97, 102, 106-7, 109, 112; draft for 
Indian war, 298.9, 301, 310, 313, 
326 ; see Peoria Expedition and 
Black- Hawk War; political parties, 
6, 479.80; pre-emptors, 95, 109, 
ill; poverty of printer, 32911, 330, 
336, 42 1 n, 42 1 _ 6; saline land leases, 
46.7, 49.52, 69, 104.5, 119-20, 
129.32, 147, 153, 181, 282, 321; 
negroes to work at salines, 93 n, 95; 
see slavery; its seminary land must 
not be selected along line of canal, 
472.4; state taxation and credit, 
499.500; suffrage, extension in, 96; 
proposition to divide State into two 
U. S. senatorial districts, 149, ib. n; 
volunteers in Mexican war, 58n. 

Illinois, att'y-gens. (mentioned as 
such), John J. Crittenden, Thomas 
T. Crittenden, D. P. Cook, Geo. 
Forquer. 

Illinois, County of, 72. 3 n. 

Illinois, counties, see Adams, Alex- 
ander, Bond, Calhoun, Clay, Clark, 
Clinton, Cook, Crawford, Edgar, 
Edwards, Fayette, Franklin, Ful- 
ton, Gallatin, Greene, Hamilton, 
Hancock, Jackson, Jefferson, Jo 
Daviess, Johnson, Knox, LaSalle, 
Lawrence, Macoupin, McDonough, 
McLean, Madison, Marion, Mas- 
sac, Monroe, Mercer, Montgomery, 
Morgan, Ogle, Peoria, Perry, Pike, 
Pope, Putnam, Randolph, Rock 
Island, Sangamon, Schuyler, Shel- 
by, St. Clair, Tazewell, Union, Ver- 
milion, Wabash, Warren, Washing- 
ton, Wayne, White, Whiteside, 
Winnebago; those organized before 
1819, 72.4m 

Illinois governors (mentioned as such) 
see John Boyle, N. Edwards, Shad- 



rach Bond, Edward Coles, John 
Reynolds, William L. D. Ewing, 
Joseph Duncan, Thos. Ford, lieut.- 
gov., Pierre Menard, Adolphus F. 
Hubbard, William Kinney, Zadoc 
Casey. 

Illinois Indians frequently visited St. 
Louis, where an Indian agent of 
111. T'y should reside, 54; called 
the Kaskaskia, 141 ; mention, 305; 
removal from ceded lands, 338.40. 

Illinois Intelligencer, first press in 111., 
122; mention, 493, 510. 

Illinois judges (mentioned as such), see 
Thomas C. Browne, Theophilus W. 
Smith, Richard M. Young, Henry 
Eddy, Jeptha Hardin, W. Wilson, 
Sidney Breese, N. Pope, Spriggs, 
Stuart, Finney ; to be compelled 
to hold chancery courts, 94; pre- 
sented for non-residence and non- 
attendance, 103 ; law passed to 
compel them to perform duties, 1 10. 

Illinois, member of Congress (men- 
tioned as such), senators, see Jesse 
B. Thomas, N. Edwards, John 
McLean, Elias Kent Kane, David 
J. Baker, Wm. L. D. Ewing, John 
M. Robinson, James Shields, Rich. 
M. Young, Samuel McRoberts, 
Sidney Breese; representatives, see 
S. Bond, Benj. Stephenson, Nath. 
Pope, D. P. Cook, Joseph Duncan, 
Chas. Slade, John Reynolds, Zadoc 
Casey, William L. May, John T. 
Stuart, Joseph P. Hoge, John J. 
Hardin, Edward D. Baker, E. B. 
Washburne, James C. Allen. 

Illinois and Mich. Canal, importance, 
241-2; popularity in 111., ib. ; bill 
before cong., Calhoun's vote, 267; 
survey, 464-5 ; canal lands, 477 ; 
their comparative value, 473-4. 

Illinois military tract, mention, 250. 

Illinois press, see Illinois Intelligencer, 
Henry Eddy's paper, Galena Ad- 
vertiser, Galena Gazette, The Gale- 
nian, Kaskaskia Crisis, Kaskaskia 
Democrat, Genius of liberty, West- 
ern Citizen, Edtvardsville Corrector, 
Edivardsville Republican, Miners' 
Journal, Sangamo Spectator, West- 
ern Sun, Springfield Courier , Quincy 
Whig. 

Illinois Rapids, mention, 387, 402. 

Illinois River, block-house at mouth, 



6i8 



INDEX. 



63—7 ; line of forts from Chicago 
to, 94; mention, 241, 275, 305, 315. 

Illinois, sec. of State (mentioned as 
such), E. K. Kane, Morris Birk- 
beck, Geo. Forquer, A. P. Field. 

111. State Bank, ruinous course, 420. 

Indiana, once part of County of 111., 
73 n; mention, 30, 4311, 57 n, 84, 
97, 137, 241, 248, 36611, 439, 440, 
58411. 

Indians, see 111. Indians, Kickapoos, 
Pottawatomies, Sacs, Foxes, Iowas, 
Wild Oats, Cherokees, Osages; re- 
counter with, mentioned, 55; men- 
tion, 5511; depredations and mur- 
ders by, 56-7, 69 ; great numbers 
annually visiting Prairie du Cliien, 
59n, 61 ; Indians as 'miners of lead, 
60 n, 62; trade with Canadians at 
Prairie du Chien source of great 
danger, 61.2 ; how it could be 
broken up, 62; firing upon Indians 
ascending the Mississippi the occa- 
sion of several letters, 63.7; as- 
sembling on 111. River, 1812, 80; 
proposed expedition against, 94; 
number of warlike Indians, 98 ; 
depredations by, 104; on the war- 
path in 111., 112; Indian depreda- 
tions in 111., 298; war, 1823, 215; 
see Black- Hawk War. 

Ingham, Sam'l D., sec. of treasury, 
letter to, on money due 111., 395-7; 
mention, 378, 379 n; 381, 428, 447, 
450, 451, 455, 461. 

Iowa, mention, 15311, 15411, 566 n. 

Iowa Co., 556. 

Iowa Indians should be supplied from 
Prairie du Chien, 62; mention, 215. 

Ireland, mention, 29 n. 

Irwin, Lewis, mention, 127. 



J- 



Jackson, Andrew, letter (lithog. ), 222; 
Jackson Co., 111., named after him, 
74n ; presidential prospects, 210, 
281, 282; congratulates Gov. E. on 
nomination as minister to Mexico, 
222; his party in 111., 238, 348.5, 
352, 4i6n; election, 378; cabinet, 
ib., 379.81, 379n ; candidate for 
re-election, 429, 488, ib. n; threat- 
ened disruption of his party, 554; 
his seizure of Pensacola and St. 
Marks, 566.7; rupture with Vice- 



Pres. Calhoun, 567.8, 570; men- 
tion, 210, 216, 239, 240, 245n, 24611, 
28S, 291, 295, 302, 43611, 438, 442, 
449, 460, 46 r, 483, 547. 

Jackson Co., 111., organization, name, 
7411; vote for gov., 1826, 25m; 
cong. vote, 1832, 599, ib. n; men- 
tion, 584, 600. 

Jackson, Tenn., mention. 436 n. 

Jackson, Mo., Patjiot, 363, 364. 

Jacksonville, 111., mention, 283,36711, 
401. 

Jarrott 7's. Jarrott, reference, 248. 

Jayne, Dr., surveyor on canal route, 
465; mention, 385, 471, 482, 529, 

534- 
Jefferson Co., 111., vote for governor, 

1826, 25m. 
Jefferson, Thomas, probable election 

to presidency, 23. 
Jenkins, Alex. M., representative from 

Jackson Co., 600; mention, 407. 
Jennings, Jonathan, mem. Cong, from 

Ind., urges sec'y of war to continue 

the rangers in service, 112. 
Jessamine, Ky., mention, 79. 
Jesuit mission at Fort Massac, 55, 
Jo Daviess Co., cong. vote, 1834, 

368 n; mention, 243 n, 323, 36611, 

566m 
Johnson Co. , 111., organization, name, 

7411; vote for gov., 1826, 251 n; 

cong. vote, 1832, 59911; mention, 

15011, 38m, 382, 452, 453 n, 594, 

595, 596. 

Johnson Court-House, 111., mail route 
to, no, 117. 

Johnson, Richard M., letter (lithog.), 
162; Johnson Co., 111., named after 
him, 74n; desires information con- 
cerning Ed wards ville bank, 162.3; 
sketch, 162 n; mention, 214, 580. 

Johnson, Wm., mention, 363. 

Johnston, Thos., signer of petition, 77. 

Jones, Mr., of Ky. , mention, 25. 

Jones, Mr., printer at Galena, 386, 
390, 423, 437, 454, 455, 456, 521, 

534- 

Jones, Michael, signer of petition, 
7111, 76; candidate for U. S. sena- 
torship, 153, 154, ib. n; register of 
land-office at Kaskaskia, 178, 180; 
sketch, I59n; mention, 155, 160, 
163, 277n, 284, 285, 296, 329. 

Jones, Thos., signer of petition, 76. 

Jones, Rev. Wm., mention, 437. 



INDEX. 



619 



Jonesboro, 111., mention, 381, 442, 
445, 453, 486, 538, 546, 571, 583, 
596, 598. 

Judy, Mr., mention, 163. 



K. 



Kane, Elias Kent, letter, 536, 560, 
580; though born in New York a 
pro-slavery man, 124 n; senator, 
267; death while senator, 233 n; 
tribute to the memory of John 
McLean of 111., 345 n; Kane's tal- 
ents, 485 ; inquiries concerning 
Gov. E.'s views on slavery in 111., 
536.7; sketch, 56cm; assures Gov. 
E. that Gen. Green did not show 
certain letters, 560.2 ; re-elected 
senator, 560; course in presenting 
recommendations, 580.1; mention, 

146, 147, 150, I59n, 180, 204,321, 

348, 349, 356, 357, 427, 443, 460, 
478, 482. 
Kaskaskia, made county-seat by Gov. 
St. Clair, 73 n; land-office, 119, 176, 
ib. n, I77n, 178, 191 ; post-routes 
to, 104, 106, no, 117, 120; men- 
tion, 41, 42, 43 n, 44n, 49, 53, 55, 
56, 63, 69, ib. n, 70, 7111, 81, 84, 
■85, 98, 103, 105, 106, 107, 109, 114, 
120, 121, 122, I24n, 128, 132, 134, 
137, 140, 141, 143, 144, 145, 146, 

147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 
155, 156,157, 159", 237,252,277^ 
3d, 357, 358, 374, 3%3, 3%7, 39*, 
394, 404, 417, 425, 452, 464, 532, 
543, 55i, 558, 560, 583, 584n, 586, 
59 x > 592. 

Kaskaskia Crisis publishes Gov. E.'s 

address, 521, 523; Theophilus W. 

Smith, its editor, 543.4; may get 

the public printing, 545.6; opposes 

Gov. Reynolds, ib. 
Kaskaskia Democrat, references to, 

527, 545, 573-5; edited by Sidney 

Breese, 543.4. 
Kaskaskia Indians, supplies for, 114, 

119; mention, 142. 
Keemle, Mr., sold type, mention, 

543- 
Kelley, Jas. D., signer of petition, 77. 
Kelly, Mr., mention, 155. 
Kendall, enmity with Henry Clay, 

565.6; seeks position of public 

printer, ib. 



Kennedy, Samuel S , capt. of grena- 
dier co., 44; mention, 45. 

Kentucky Advertiser, reference, 258. 

Kentucky, politics, national and state, 
216,217,258; troops to protect 111., 
81; in war of 1812, 79, 81, 99; men- 
tion, 5, 6, 1711, i8n, 29n, 3m, 48, 
ib. n, 52, 57, 58, 64, 74n, 79n, 92, 
102, 120, I22n, I23n, I24n, 143, 
148, 162, 174, i85n, 208, 235n, 
248n, 282, 288, 289 n, 302, 36511. 

Keokuk, commercial position, 425 ; 
in the Indian country, ib. 

Kercheval, Mr., mention, 408. 

Ketchel, W., mention, 441. 

Key, Philip B., M. C. from Md., 32. 

Keykendall, Benjamin, signer of peti- 
tion, 78. 

Kickapoo Creek, mention, 273. 

Kickapoo Indians steal property of 
Charles Relle, 54; treaty with, at 
Edwardsville, 142; ment.,212, 339. 

Kimberly, Sam. , signerof petition, 78. 

Kimmel, Mr., mention, 433! 

King, Cyrus, notice, 179 m 

King, Richard, mention, 179 m 

King, Rufus, letter (lithog. ), 178, 222; 
the usage of U. S. senate respecting 
nomination, 178.80; sketch, 178. 
9n; gives vote on Gov. E.'s confir- 
mation as envoy to Mexico, 222 ; 
letter to, expressive of Gov. E.'s 
friendship, 221. 

King, William, notice, 179m 

Kinchelas, W., signer of petition, 78. 

Kinnard, Singleton, mention, 584, 
585, 598. g 

Kinney, William, elected lieut.-gov., 
1826, 250; vote by counties, 25m; 
as president of bank charged with 
breach of trust, 270. 1; candidate 
for gov., 416 n, 420, 426, 433; seeks 
to control 111. appointments, 427, 
430, 443 ; claims to be the only 
Jackson candidate, 432; seeks sup- 
ports of 111. press, 437, 448.50, 459- 
60; his canvass, 441, ib. n, 445, 45211, 
454, 455, 460, 463 n, 504.5; causes 
of his defeat, 41611, 488n; opposed 
to Gov. E.'s views on land question, 
495; a pro-slavery man, 531; men- 
tion, 264, 296, 348, 349, 350, 352, 
361, 410, 414, 461, 497, 500, 510, 
511, 516, 570. 

Kitchell, Mr., mention, 149, 150 n, 
154, ib. n, 203. 



620 



INDEX. 



Kizer, John, signer of petition, 77. 
Knox Co., 111., cong. vote, 1834, 3<38n; 

its organization, 527. 
Knox Co., lnd., mention, 584 n. 
Knox Co., N.-W. T'y, 73 n; name, ib. 
Knox, Gen. Henry, gives name to 

Knox Co., 7311. 
Kuykendal, Maj., mention, 311. 



Lacy, John, death, 357, ib. n, 374. 

Laine, Mr., mention, 107. 

Lake Erie, mention, 241. 

Lake Michigan, mention, 241, 305, 

313, 323, 334, 440- 
Lake Sakaegan, mention, 316. 
Lake Superior, mention, 82. 
Lake of the Woods, mention, 81. 
Lamb, G., of firm of Mather, Lamb 

& Co., mention, 7m; signer of 

petition, 76. 
Lamb, Mather, & Co. of Kaskaskia, 

mention, 71 n. 
Lane, Mr., of Ky. , recommended as 

secretary of Alabama T'y, 140. 1. 
Lane, Dr., postmaster of St. Louis, 

430; mention, 452, 488, 541. 
Lane, H.O.W., signer of petition, 77. 
Lane, Col. James B., invites Gov. E. 

to place his daughters under his 

charge, 136; mention, 114. 
Laplain River not to be feeder for 

canal, 465. 
LaSalle Co., 111., cong. vote, 1834, 

368n; mention, 32911, 366m 
Latham, James, letter, giving account 

of land sales at Springfield, 111., 

then called Calhoun, and asking for 

Indian agency, 2II.2. 
Lawrence Co., 111., vote for governor, 

1826, 25 m. 
Lead-mines, see Dubuque, Galena, 

Hardin Co., Indians as miners. 
Leak, John, signer of petition, 77. 
Lebanon, 111., mention, 412, 413, 

414. 572. 
Le Claire, Antoine, first settler at 

Davenport, 68n. 
Lecroix, Canadian trader, 88, 90. 
Leech, Samuel, of Fairfield, Wayne 

Co., mention, 292, 293. 
Leep, Page, signer of petition, 76. 
Legate, Col, sup't of Galena lead- 
mines, 436n, 438; mention, 411. 



Leiper, Mr., of Morgan Co., men- 
tion, 287. 
Lemen, James, thinks of offering for 

governor, 433. 
Letters (to N. Edwards, unless other- 
wise mentioned) of: 

John Quincy Adams. 221 (lithog. ). 

David J. Baker, 551/557, 558, 559, 
583, 586, 591, 592; to James 
Mitchell, 596, 597. 

Frederick Bates, 54. 

Thos. Benton, 145 (lithog ), 161. 

E. C. Berry, joint letter with Geo. 
Forquer, 376. 

N. Boilvin to Wm. Eustis, 59. 

Shadrach Bond, 42, 93 (lithog.), 
95, 97, 101, 102, 103, 105, 106, 
107, 108, 110, in, 113; to his 
constituents, 114, 126, 146, 147, 
152. 

P. Bradley, 415. 

Sidney Breese, 268, 357, 374, 383, 

393, 47i, 477, 543- 

Robert Brent, 78, 83. 

H. Butler, 49. 

John Caldwell, 158. 

John C. Calhoun, 210 (lithog.). 

Joseph Charless, 67, 91, 132. 

Auguste Chouteau, 141, 143, fac- 
simile of signature. 

Wm. Christy to Jos. Charless, 133. 

Wm. Clark, 57, 80, 135. 

Henry Clay, 17 (lithog.), 24, 25. 

Dan'l P. Cook, 122, 128, 135, 137, 
138 (lithog.), 139, 145, 148, 149, 
159, 223, 242, 245, 248, to his 
wife, 249. 

Thomas Cox, 153. 

Alfred Cowles, 369. 

Thos. E. Craig, 68, 85, 86. 

Wm. H. Crawford, 121, 129, 181. 

John J. Crittenden, 48. 

Thomas T. Crittenden, 56. 

Ninian Edwards, see Edwards, N., 
letters of. 

Wm. Lee D. Ewing, 233. 

A. P. Field, 381, 383,452,453,486, 
538, 546, 571, 572, 580, 594, 595- 

Geo. Forquer, 278, 364, 376, 387, 
391, 394, 403, 434, 447, 459, 477, 
495, 5 x o, 512, 516, 518, 524. 

Albert Gallatin, 46 (lithog,). 

Wm. J. Gatewood, 573. 

Duff Green, 212, 253, 256, 266, 280, 
377, 379, 399, 427, 446, 450, 488, 
547, 552, 565, 570, 577. 



INDEX. 



621 



Felix Grundy, 235 (lithog. ). 

Martin D. Hardin, 58, 78, 98. 

John Hays, 81. 

Sam. Houston, 239 (fac-simile of 
signature). 

Benjamin Howard, 56, 66. 

Andrew Jackson, 222 (lithog.). 

R. M. Johnson, 162 (lithog.). 

Elias Kent Kane, 536, 560, 580. 

Rums King, 1 78 (lithog. ), 222. 

James Latham, 211. 

Thomas Lippincott, 218. 

Matthew Lyon, 28 (lithog.). 

John McLean of 111., 358, 360. 

John McLean of Ohio, 277, 311, 
340, 562. 

John Marshall, 155, 254. 

J. Meigs, 119. 

Benjamin Mills, 369. 

James Monroe, 119, 205 (lithog.). 

Hugh Nelson, 372. 

John Pope, 31, 35, 36, 127, 128. 

J. F. Posey for A. P. Field, 402. 

S. Price, 55. 

John Reed, 569. 

John Reynolds, 163, 203, 416, 432, 
437, 441, 445, 463, 537, 579, 
589. 

Thomas Reynolds, 190. 

Edmund Roberts, 464. 

George Robinson, 71. 

John M. Robinson, 582. 

John Scott, 236. 

John Shackford, 577. 

Solomon P. Sharp, 216. 

S. Simpson, 263. 

John Sloane, 229. 

Samuel L. Southard, 205. 

Benjamin Stephenson, 120. 

Jos. M. Street, 272, 282, 285, 290, 
294, 300, 310, 312, 320, 327, 332. 

Jonathan Taylor, 69. 

Edward Tiffin, 104. 

Jesse B. Thomas, 177 (lithog.). 

Martin VanBuren, 433. 

William Wallace, 52. 

Hooper Warren, 328, 335, 363, 385, 
389, 397, 400, 406, 408, 421, 436, 
454, 466, 467, 475, 489, 492, 514, 
520, 527, 532, 541, 555. 

Dan'l Webster to Wm. Wirt, 271 
(lithographed). 

Sam. Whiteside to Wm. B. White- 
side, 63. 

Wm. B. Whiteside, 66. 

Wm. Wirt, 185, 230 (lithog.), 231. 



Richard M. Young, 237. 

Levering, Capt. , mention, 66. 

Lewis, Mr., mention, 579. 

Lewis and Clark Expedition, refer- 
ence to, 80. 

Lewis, Meriweather, gov. of Upper 
Louisiana T'y, 56. 7 n. 

Lewis, Col. William, regiment com- 
manded by, 1 812, 79. 

Lewiston, III, mention, 323, 324. 

Lexington, Ky., mention, 17, i8n, 
24, 25, 128, 253, 258. 

Liberty, mention, 214. 

Lincoln, Abraham, and the Republi- 
can national convention of 1856, 
246.7 n; mention, 74 n, 12411, 

. 266n, 436. 

Lippincott, Gen. Charles E., men- 
tion, 2i8n. 

Lippincott, Thos., letter, 218; sketch, 
ib. ; seeks appointment in the gen. 
land-office, 218.9; Gov. E. may be 
a possible candidate for legislature 
of the anti-conven. party, 218.20. 

Little Miami River, mention, 535. 

Livingstone, Ed., M. C, mention, 548. 

Lockwood, Judge Samuel D. , his vote 
for U. S. senator, 204 n; again spo- 
ken of for the same office, 296; men- 
tion, 201, 204, 276, 349, 386, 401, 
459, 460, 482, 511, 519. 

Logan Co., Ky., mention, 344m 

Logan court-house, residence of N. 
Edwards, 25. 

Logan, 111., mention, 49. 

Logan, John, mention, 585. 

Longfellow, H. W., mention, I79n. 

Long Island, N. Y., 4711. 

Losantiville, old name for Cinn., 73 n. 

Louisiana, gov'm't of the t'y, 30, 31 ; 
mention, 2in,29n,53,54n,57n,382n. 

Louisville, mention, 207, 208, 256, 
258, 292, 4:2, 454, 486, 535. 

Louisville Advertiser, reference, 304, 
305, 4io. 

Lowell, 111., mention, 329m 

Lowry, Mr., mention, 441, 442. 

Lyon, Chittenden, cong. canvass, 288 
_9, 291.2; son of Matthew Lyon, 
notice, 29 n. 

Lyon, Matthew, letter (lithog.), 28; 
sketch, 28.9; interest in appoint- 
ment for Dr. Catlet, 29.30; fancies 
Southerners fear loss of Western 
market, 30; opposed to gov'm't for 
new t'y, 30. 1; turns federalist, 33; 



622 



INDEX. 



writes letter against embargo act, 
ib. ; mention, 291. 



M. 

Mc Arthur, Gen., of Chillicothe,535_6. 

McBride, Mr., mention, 595. 

McDaniel, Mr., killed in the Black- 
Hawk War, 590. 

McI)onou<4h,Capt., mention, 593,596. 

McDonouyh Co., cong. vote, 1834, 
36811; mention, 515; organ., 527.8. 

McDonough's, Mr., speech, reference 
to, 533- 

McFerron, John, sen. from Randolph 
Co., reference, 154, ib. n.* 

McGuire, Mr., of Mineral Point, 425. 

McGuire, Thomas J., witness against 
Wm. Kinney as pres. of Edwards- 
ville Branch Bank, 270.1. 

Mcllenry, James, sec'y of war, resig- 
nation, 23, 

Mclniire, David, mention, 382. 

Mclntire, John, recorder of Johnson 
Co., 3 Si. 

Mc Isaac, I>aac, signer of petition, 77. 

McKee, Mr., mention, 354, 448, 455, 
558, 559, 562, 569. 

McKenney, Col, mention, 306, 333. 

McKeys, bill of execution against, 
24, 27. 

Mcknight, Thomas, of St. Louis, 
mention, 236. 

McLane, Louis, M. C. from Delaware, 
mention, 12311, 224, 450, 553. 

McLean Co., name, 344 n; cong. 
vote, 1834, 368 n. 

McLean, John, of 111., letter, 358, 
360; letters to, 343, 354; political 
campaigns, 123 n, 145, I59n, 160, 
163, 164; sketch, 343.611; Gov. E. 
offers influence in senatorial elec- 
tion, 343.7; and wishes him to aid 
Forquer, 348.56; accepts Gov. E.s 
offer, speaks of prospects for elec- 
tion, 358-62; unanimous election to 
the U. S. senate, 359 n ; regrets 
previous political antagonism, 360; 
politics in 111., 360.1; opposed to 
Kinney, angry with Kane, 443; dis- 
trusted by G. Forquer, 481.2; as- 
serts independence of party, 483; 
characteristics, 482.4; death, 55m; 
mention, 147, 174, 203, 284, 285, 
293, 295, 359, 368 n. 



McLean, John, of Ohio, postmaster- 
general, letter, 277, 311, 340, 562; 
opposed to suggested change of 
mail-routes, 277.8; may be ap- 
pointed judge of Supreme Court, 
247; sketch, 24611; kindness to Mr. 
Cook, 280; will consider suggest- 
ions concerning mails, 3 1 1 ; on salary- 
due Mr. Cook at time of death, 340 
. 1 ; fears dissolution of Union, 562; 
mention, 214, 34011, 378, 379, ib. n. 

McNeill, Mr., clerk protein. Warren 
Co. Circuit Court, 528. 

McRea, Col., mention, 234. 

McRoberts, Sam., wishes to be att'y- 
gen. of 111., 44m, 442.3; spoken 
of for judicial appointment, 556 ; 
mention, 460, 557. 

McShaen,\Vm., signer of petition, 78. 

Machias, Me., mention, 46 n. 

Mackinac, fall of, 80; mention, 81 n, 
82, 83. 

Macomson, Mr., killed in the Black- 
Hawk War, 590. 

Macon Co., 111., cong. vote, 1834, 36811. 

Macoupin Co., mention, 580, 581 - y 
cong. vote, 1832, 599 n. 

Madison Co., ,111., organization, 74n ;. 
vote for gov., 1826, 251 n; cong. 
vote, 1832, 599n; mention, 29, 6711, 
-133, 250. 

Madison court-house, men., no, 117. 

Madison, Jas., mention, 5,33, 46, 121. 

Maine, mention, 3m, 46n, 17811, 17911. 

Maiden, fall of, 100. 

Maquoteka, Iowa, mention, 154. - 

March, Mr., aids Galena Advertiser^ 
514, 520, 527. 

Marcy, William L , mention, 549. 

Maria, a slave of Gov. E., 244. 

Marietta, O., the seat of Mass. Land 
Co. and capital of N.-W. T'y, 73m 

Marion Co., vote for gov., 1826, 25111; 
mention, 23311. 

Marshall, IL, of Ky., mention, 208. 

Marshall, 111., mention, 247 n. 

Marshall, John, chief-justice, anec- 
dote of, 43 n. 

Marshall, John, pres. Shawneetown 
Bank, letter, 155, 254; on business 
of bank, 155.7; notice, 1 55n ; blames 
Gov. E. for Mr. Cook's defeat, 254. 
5; sketch, 25411; mention, 277 n, 
285, 293. 

Marshall, John, of Ky., mention, 208. 

Marshall, Mrs. John (111. ), ment. , 293. 



INDEX. 



623 



Martin, W. G., signer of petition, 77. 
Maryland, mention, 5, I7n, 32, 4311, 

103, 185 n, 267, 281. 
Massac Co., named after Ft. Massac, 

55 n. 

Massachusetts, mention, 31 n, 179 n, 
365 n, 36811, 385 n, 56911. 

Massachusetts Land Co., men., 73 n. . 

Mason, Mr. . receiver at Edwardsville, 
428. 

Mason, James, mention, 442. 

Mason, John T., mention, 30. 

Matheny, Mr., mention, 160, 337. 

Mather, Thos., notice, 357 n; men- 
tion, 374, 394, 465, 466, 512, 558, 
585, 586, 600. 

May, Balaam, signer of petition, 78. 

May, L., signer of petition, 77. 

May, Wm. L., M. C. from 111. ; cong. 
canvass, 1834, 36511, 36711; vote, 
26811; mention, 448, 460. 

Maxwell, Mr., mention, 163, 597. 

Medill, Wm., M. C. from Ohio, 3211. 

Meeker, Moses, of Galena, mention, 
436, 437, 521, 533- 

Meeker's Point, early name for 
Galena, 436 n. 

Meigs, Josiah, comm'r of gen. land- 
office, letter on leasing newly-dis- 
covered salines, 119; mention, 1 1911. 

Menard, Brandamore, mention, 593. 

Menard, Francis, called Brandamore, 
mention, 593. 

Menard, Pierre, mention, 14m, 180, 
275, 284. 

Mercer Co., 111., mention, 243n, 531. 

Meredith, J. B., mention, 363. 

Meredith, Samuel C, buys out Sanga- 
mo Spectator, 363, 364; mention, 
387, 390, 448, 537, 542. 

Merrill, Mr., mention, 370. 

Merrill, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 

Messenger, John, early pioneer of 
111., notice, 29 n. 

Methodists of 111. opposed to slavery, 

53i. 

Mette, Mr., mention, 143. 

Mexico, 6, 222, ib. n, 224, 227. 

Michigan, mention, 73 n, loin, 335, 
38511, 43611, 440. 

Millersburg, mention, 412. 

Mills, Benj., letter on mandamus suit, 
369; sketch, 365. 9n; his cong. vote, 
1834, 369 n; proves his friendship 
for Gov. E., 521.2; spoken of for 
judicial appointment, 556; com'ds 



company in Black-Hawk War, 591 ; 
mention, 365, 366, 369. 

Mills, Henry J., letter to, 264, 2 70; 
lies told, 264.6; notice, 26411; on 
charges against Kinney and others, 
270.1 ; chairman of investigating 
committee, 27on. 

Mineral Point, mention, 425. 

Miners' Journal, reference, 438, 521, 
533, 565n. 

Mississippi River, mention, 59, 60 n f 
62, 64, 66, 67, 81 n, 94, 141, 142, 
252, 3°5, 313, 3H, 36611, 407, 439- 

Missouri, mention, 54, 56n, 57n, 67 n, 
8011, 93, 97, 161, 19011, 209, 236, 
241, 281, 328, 365 n, 428; first con- 
gressmen, 236 n; question, refer- 
ence, 248 ; vote, 1824, cast for 
Adams, 236 n. 

Missouri Gazette, first newspaper pub- 
lished at St. Louis and in Up. La. 
T'y, 6711; mention, 68, 91,92; name 
changed to Missouri Republican, 67m 

Mitchell, James, postmaster, Belle- 
ville, letter to, favoring Gov. E.'s 
election to Congress, 592; mention, 
263, 467, 570, 572, 590. 

Monroe Co., 111., name, organization, 
74 n; vote for gov., 1826, 25111; 
cong. vote, 1832, 599 n; mention, 
4311, 16311, 278 n. 

Monroe, Jas. , letter, 1 19, 205 (lithog. ) ; 
letter to Pres. Monroe, 166, 224; 
not candidate for pres., 33; gives 
name to Monroe Co., 74 n; sec. of 
war, on supplies for Kaskaskia In- 
dians, elected pres., 128 n, I29n; 
139 n, 140; makes as pres. changes 
in appointm'ts, 205.6, 20611; Gov. 
E. defends his 111. appointments, 
166.76; sends him resigration as 
minister to Mexico, mention, 46 n, 
H9n, 121, 221 n, 224, 24611; no- 
tice, 119. 

Montgomery Co., 111., vote for gov., 
1826, 25111; mention, 250, 432, 
531, 58o. 

Montgomery Co., Md., mention, 18511. 

Montreal, mention, 82. 

Moore, David, sheriff of Alexander 
Co., 384. 

Moore, Enoch, recommended as sur- 
veyor-gen., 151. 

Moore, Gabriel, mention, 577, 578; 
sketch, ib. n. 

Moore, J. B., mention, 190. 



624 



INDEX. 



Morehouse, Dickinson B., of Galena, 
mention, 565 n. 

Morgan Co., III., vote for gov., 1826, 
25m; cong. vote, 1834, 368 n; men- 
tion, 250, 261, 283, 286, 287, 484, 

513. 
Morris, Wm., of Kaskaskia, could 

supply troops at Pr. du Chien, 63. 
Morrison, Mr., army cont, 1 02, 138. 
Morrison, Don, mention, 545. 
Morrison, James, mention, 163. 
Morrison. Lewis, seeks appointment 

of recorder at Kaskaskia, 471. 
Morrison, Robert, mention, 40, 163, 

179, 181. 
Mt. Carmel, mention, 442. 
Mt. Sterling, Ky., mention, 258. 
Mullen, J. M., signer of petition, 77. 
Murdock, Maj., of 111. rangers, 101. 
Murphy, Jno., signer of petition, 76. 
Murphy, Richard, elected to the 111. 

house, 600. 



N, 



Nail, Mr., mention, 86. 

Nashville, Tenn., mention, 24, 25, 235, 

ib. n, 239, 26cm, 567. 
Natchez Territory, mention, 30. 
National Globe, reference, 587, 588. 
National Intelligencer ; reference, 114, 

13.8. 

National Journal ) reference, 515, 535. 

National Register, reference, 137, 138. 

Nelson, a slave of Gov. E., 245. 

Nelson Co., Ky. , mention, 17m 

Nelson, Hugh, letter, 372; high opin- 
ion of Gov. Edwards, 372.3; views 
on a constitutional question, 373; 
notice, 372m 

Nelson, Mr., of Ky. , mention, 208. 

New, Anthony, cong. canvass, 288.9, 
291. 

New Design, St. Clair Co. , mention, 64. 

New England, politics, 210, 257; men- 
tion, 32n, 36n, 36511, 388n, 488. 

New Hampshire, mention, 439. 

Newhall, Dr. Horatio, reminiscence 
of Gov. Edwards, 25cm; sketch, 
385 n, 386; interested in paper at 
Galena, 390, 432, 437, 514, 521.3, 
531, 580; surgeon at Fort Winne- 
bago, 543; mention, 455, 456, 492, 

529, 556. 
New Jersey, mention, 205 n, 206 n, 
246, 282. 



New Jersey election cases of 1 840, 3m. 

New Jersey politics, 18, 23, 210. 

N. Madrid, mention, 30. 

Newman, John, mention, 45. 

New Orleans, mention, 382 n, 568; 
force to be sent to, 35. 

Ne-skad-na-mis, a Pottawatomie, one 
of the band who murdered four 
whites, 57. 

N.-Y. City, mention, 36, 14711, 568. 

New York (State), mention, 3111, 32, 
36, 81 n, 112, 17811, 17911, 210, 282, 
337, 429, 485, 56011; election, 1800, 
favorable to Jefferson, 23; politics 
in, 1823, 210; in 1826, 266. 

Nicholson, Jonathan, signer of peti- 
tion, 77. 

Nippegand, mention, 82. 

"North- American Review", speeches 
of Gov. E. sent to, 569. 

North Carolina, mention, 20, 31 n, 
34411; politics, 1823, 210. 

Northwestern Gazette and Galena Ad- 
zerliser, mention, 565 n, 566 n. 

Northwestern T'y, cession, 72 n; first 
government, 73 n; mention, 72 n, 73. 

Nouvelle France, Illinois formed part 
of, 55 n- 



Observer, The, reference to, 263. 
Ogle Co., 111., mention, 243 n. 
Ohio, once part of County of 111. , 73 n, 

229, ib. n, 230, 241, 246, ib. n, 248, 

257, 279 n, 281, 364, 3.68 n, 439, 

440, 449, 488. 
Ohio River, mention, 55 n, 72, 163, 

252, S3 6 - 
O-ki-che-ga-mis, a Pottawatomie, one 

of a party who had murdered whites, 

57- 
Ordinance of 1787, reference, 73 n. 
Ormsby, John, signer of petition, 77. 
Orr, Mr., mention, 598. 
Osagesat war with theCherokees, 134. 
Ottawa Indians, mention, 305, 306, 

313. 3H» 334- 

Ouiconsing River, mention, 60. 

Overton, John, mention, 26. 

Owen, Thos. J. V., desires appoint- 
ment as Indian agent, mention, 595. 

P. 

Palestine land-office, 167, ib. n, 169, 
174. 



INDEX. 



625 



Pana, 111., mention, 2i8n. 

Panama Mission, 266. 

Paris, Ky. , mention, 258. 

Parthusdism, should be Partridge- 
town, mention, 86. 

Partridgetown, not Parthusdism, as 
printed, mention, 86. 

Patterson, Mr., candidate for sheriff 
of one new 111. counties, 70. 

Patronage of government, how it 
should be regarded, 563. 

Patton, Abraham, murdered by In- 
dians, 56. 

Patton, Benj. W., mention, 145. 

Patton, John, of Worcester, Ohio, 
mention, 230. 

Paul, Mr., mention, 161. 

Payne, Gen., mention, 162. 

Peck, Rev. John, mention, 445. 

Peckitonica, battle of, mention, 590 n. 

Pell, Mr., mention, 428. 

Penn, Mr,, editor of Louisville paper, 

454- 

Pennsylvania, mention, 32 n, 46 n, 47n, 
67, 120, 159, 210, 246 n, 247n, 281; 
politics, 1823, 210. 

Pensacola, occupation by Gen. Jack- 
son, 566. 

Peoria (city), expedition against, 68 n, 
85.90; dismal description of, 272. 
5, 277 n; Indian depredations at, 
298; mention, 80, 113, 306, 310, 

323, 3M. 
Peoria Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 

25m; mention, 366n, 566. 
Pepperell, Sir Wm., mention, 179 m 
Pequer, Baptiste and Francis, have 

property stolen by Kickapoos, 54. 
Peru, mention, 446, ib. n. 
Peru, 111., mention, 596 n. 
Perry Co., 111., cong. vote, 1832, 599n; 

mention, 596, 597, 600. 
Petition from that part of Randolph 

Co. east of Big Muddy, 72.8. 
Petrikin, David, mem. Cong, from 

Peru, notice, 32 n. 
Pettis, Mr., reference to speech of, 

495. 5 J 5» 520. 
Philadelphia, mention, 92, 246 n, 

247n, 267. 
Phillips, Joseph, sec'y of 111. T'y, 

sketch, 126 n; candidate for gov. 

against E. Coles, ib. ; vote, 252n; 

mention, 149, 163, 190, 585. 
Philleo, Dr., interested in Galena 

paper, 409, 410, 422, 436, 437, 455, 

40 



456, 467, 476, 489, 490, 492, 514, 
521.3, 533,542, 556, 557, 565n, 569. 

Pickering, Timothy, dismissal from 
cabinet, 23. 

Pike Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
25m; cong. vote, 1834, 368 n; men- 
tion, 566m 

Pinckneyville, 111., mention, 597. 

Pine River, mention, 316. 

Pinkney, Wm., mention, 140. 

Pitts, Mr., court decides against, 18; 
illegal purchase by, ib. 

Pittsburg, mention, 120. 

Poagues Creek (Ky. ), land surveyed, 
1785, 27. 

Polete, a Frenchman, mention, 86. 

Pope Co., 111., organization, name, 
vote for gov., 1826, 25m; cong. 
vote, 1832, 599n; mention, i5on, 
159", 237, 261, 387^ 388n, 394. 
452, 487, 559, 57m, 594- 595- 

Pope, John, letter, 31, 35, 36, 127, 
207; notice of, 31 n, opinion of 
leading congressmen, 1808, 31 -3; 
and of the next presidential election, 
33; favors the "embargo act," 33.4, 
35; popularity, 34; views on the 
political outlook, 35; makes a tour 
of New England, 36; opinions on 
war and duty of public officer, 36- 
41 ; letter requesting account of 
conversation with Gov. E. on the 
alien and sedition laws, 127.8; no- 
tice, I27n; mention, I28n; popu- 
larity, 129; mention, 204; letter on 
money matters and the purchase of 
a residence for Mr. E., 207.9; un ~ 
friendly relations with H. Clay, 302 
.3,37911, 381 ; mention, 252.4,407. 
Pope, John, Maj.-Gen., men., 12311. 

Pope, Nathan'l, friendly relations with 
Gov. E., 40; secured admission of 
111. as state, 74 n; gave name to 
Pope Co., III., ib. ; sketch, 122.3 n; 
resigns position as sec'y of 111. T'y, 
126, ib. n; desires appointment as 
U. S. circuit judge, 245, 248 n, 249; 
secures office, 123 n; mention, 45, 
no, 124, 125, 146, 160, 180, 347, 

355, 356, 593, 596. 

Pope, Warden, pres. elector, Ky., 23- 

Pope, William, mention, 266. 

Porter, Peter H., see sec'y of war. 

Porter, Wm., seeks appointment as 
treasurer of canal board, 385; with- 
draws application, 389. 



626 



INDEX. 



Posey, Mrs., mention, 274. 

Posey, J. F., letter for A. P. Field, 
sec'y of State of 111., is unable to 
find indictment papers of Winn, 
402.3; mention, 408, 486, 487, 546. 

Posey, Maj.Wm.C, mention, 283, 286. 

Postmaster-gen. (Wm. T. Parry), let- 
ter to on 111. mail-routes, 411.14. 

Post Vinsan, old name for Vincennes, 
mention, 453 n. 

Pottawatomie Indians, murders by, 
56.7; mention, 305, 306, 309, 313, 

3 J 4, 334- 

Prairie du Chien, letters descriptive, 
59.63, 312.18, 333; murders by 
Indians at, 305; mention, 5911, 138, 
282, 284, 3^3, 408. 

Prairie du Rocher, made county-seat, 
73 n; mention, 236. 

Price, Lieut. S., letter of, on Indian 
depredations, 55. 

Price, Samuel, offers to change secur- 
ity on a debt, 25; mortgage to, ib. 

Priestly, Joseph L., election to 111. 
house, 45311, 454; candidate for 
state treasurer, 547. 

Prince & Ficklin, claim on lead-mine, 

53- 
Prince, Judge, decease, 53. 
Prince, Mr., desires appointment as 

Indian agent, 558. 
Princeton College, mention, 236m 
Princeton, 111., mention, 3211. 
Princeton, Ky., mention, 286, 290. 
Prophet, the, mention, 57, 339. 
Public lands, funds arising from sale 

should be devoted to the cause of 

education, 568. 
Pumroy, Joseph, signer of petition, 77. 
Putnam Co., 111., cong. vote, 1834, 

368n; mention, 366m 



Queen, Mrs., of Washington, men- 
tion, 239, 240. 
Quincy. mention, 367 n, 566 n. 
Quincy Whig, reference to, 566 n. 



Racoon Grove, 111., mention, 98. 
Randle, Mr., mention, 219. 
Randolph Co., 111., organization, 

name, 73 n; boundaries, 1809, 74n; 

vote for gov., 1826, 25m; cong. 



vote, 1832, 599n; mention, 4311,. 
6911, 71 n, 7811, 103, 12011, 15411, 
56on, 584. 

Randolph, Edward, gave name to 
Randolph Co., 73 n. 

Randolph, John, of Roanoke, as a. 
speaker and man, 32, 33 ; U. S. 
senator, 242; mention, 30, 267. 

Ransom, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 

Ratliff, Mr., claim on Mr. E., 59, 99. 

Reading, Wm., mortgages gives by, 
25, 26; memory to be jogged, 26; 
competent surveyor, 27. 

Rector family, mention, 40. 

Rector, Mr., candidate for Indian 
agency on the Illinois, 212. 

Red Bird, a Winnebago Indian, in 
confinement, 325, 326; death, 333. 

"Red Gauntlet", com. signed, 510. 

Reed, Cyrus, of Ky., mention, 208. 

Reed, John, of Ky., mention, 208. 

Reed, John, M. C. from Mass., letter, 
569; forwards letters and speeches 
of Gov. E. to "North -American 
Review", 569; notice, ib. n. 

Reed, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 

Reid, Dr., mention, 293. 

Reid, John, signer of petition, 77. 

Reid, Joseph, signer of petition, 77. 

Reid, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 

Relle's, Chas., property stolen by 
Kickapoos, 54. 

Republican National Convention, 
1856, 246.7. 

Reynolds, John, letter of, 163, 203, 
416, 432, 441, 445, 463, 537, 572, 
579. 589; letter to, 419; M. C. from 
111., 32 n; resided at Goshen, 67 n; 
on Cook- McLean canvass, 163.5; 
requests delaying senatorial election 
and hastening appointments, 203; 
elected gov. and U. S. senator, 233n ; 
sketch, 416 n; requests Gov. E. to 
aid him in the gubernatorial con- 
test, 416.7, 441; conciliatory policy 
to Adams' men, 4i6n, 433, 450; 
mention, 453, 454; Gov. E. will 
aid him rather than Kinney, because 
of views on State bank, 419.20; 
and right of 111. to vacant lands 
within its limits, 420, 464; election- 
eering tour, 432, 441, 445; is falsely 
said to be an Adams man, ib., 442; 
thinks his election certain, 463 ; 
opinion as to public printers of 111., 
537; wishes to move to Belleville, 






INDEX. 



7 



but is deterred by the expense of 
building, 538; letters on the Black- 
Hawk War, 572.3, 589.91 ; en- 
dorses Gov. E. 's plan for state con- 
vention for nomination of electors, 
580; wishes national ticket to be 
Jackson and Johnson, ib. ; mention, 
337, 347, 34*8, 349, 361, 397, 453, 
454, 594, 595- 

Reynolds' (John) " Pioneer History of 
Illinois", references and quotations 
from, 44n, 10m, I03n, 345 n. 

Reynolds, Thomas, letter on guber- 
natorial election, 190.1; sketch, 
19cm; mention, 163. 

Richardson, Mr., suit with Mr. E., 

59, 79, 99- 

Richmond Enquii-er, reference to, 
321, 410. 

Ridgeley, Greenberry, of Ky., men- 
tion, 148. 

Rittner, Gov. Joseph, 246 n. 

Rives, Francis E., M. C. from Va., 
mention, 32 n. 

Roanoke, Va., mention, 32m* 

Roberts, Mr., mention, 392, 394. 

Roberts, Edmund, letter, 464; notice, 
464n ; gives Gov. E. information 
concerning canal survey, 465; ex- 
pects large sum from sale of canal 
lands, ib. ; desirability of making a 
harbor at Chicago, ib. ; commerce 
and business at Chicago, 1829, ib. ; 
wishes for information concerning 
canal lands, 477; mention, 585. 

Robinson, Geo., letter enclosing peti- 
tion from eastern p irt of Randolph 
Co., 71.2. 

Robinson, Gen. John M., letter on 
the tariff and land question, 582.3; 
sketch, 582 n; oldest circuit att'y in 
111., 269; U. S. senator, 551, 555n; 
mention, 310, 353, 441, 570. 

Robinson, Thos., signer of petition, 78. 

Rock Island, mention, 322, 323, 327, 
528; desirability of ferry at, 324. 

Rock Island Co., 111., cong. vote, 
1834, 36811; mention, 243 n. 

Rock River, mention, 313, 314, 316. 

Rock Spring, mention, 445. 

Rogers, Jsam., signer of petition, 77. 

Ross, Osian M., mention, 324. 

Ross, Maj., mention, 339. 

Rowan, John R., M. C. from Ky., 
strictures on course as congressman, 
31, 32; claimed by federalists, 34.5. 



Rush, Benjamin, Jr., mention, 140. 
Rule, Mr., mention, 494, 521, 522. 
Russell, Hendley, execution against, 

25. 
Russell, Col., directed to call rangers 

into service, 112, 116. 
Russellville, Ky., home of Gov. E., 

I7n, 27, 34, 48, 52, ib. n, 102, 207. 
Rush, Richard, see sec'y of treasury. 



S. 



Sacs Indians should be supplied from 
Prairie du Chien, 62; mention, 66, 
67; treaty with, 305. 

Salem, Ky., mention, no. 

Salines, see Illinois salines. 

San Francisco, mention, 236 n, 56611. 

Sangamon Co., vote for gov., 1826, 
25m; cong. vote, 1834, 368 n; men- 
tion, 250, 275, 276, 277, 279, 280, 
283, 287, 366n, 473, 482, 572, 580. 

Sangumo Spectator offered for sale, 
329; mention, 329 n; number of its 
subscribers, 330; owned in part by 
Gov. E., 329,330; its sale, 363,364. 

Sangamotown, mention, 33b. 

Sawyer, Mr., mention, 596. 

Scanland, Rob., signer of petition, 77. 

Scanland, Walker, signer of pet'n, 77. 

Scarborough, Me., mention, 17811, 
17911. 

Schuyler Co., vote for gov., 1826, 
25 m; cong. vote, 1834, 368 n; men- 
tion, 517, 518, 527, 542, 566. 

Scioto River, mention, 535. 

Scott, Alexander, wants contract for 
carrying mail, 164. 

Scott, Ben, killed in the Black-Hawk 
War, 590. 

Scott Co., Ky., mention, 23, 128. 

Scott, Emily, marriage, 236 n. 

Scott, John M., of St. Genievieve, M. 
C. from Mo. , 1 etter requesting return 
of book and deed for land, 236.7; 
- sketch, 236 n; com'd reg't, 18 12, 
79, 164; mention, 146, 161, ib. n., 
179, 214. 

Scott & Rule, 521. 

Sec'y of treasury (Rich. Rush), letter 
to, on locating seminary lands, 328. 

Sec'y of war (James Barbour), letter 
to, 306, 319; on Indian hostilities 
and occupancy of ceded land, 306. 
10; on pay of militia in service, 319 



62$ 



INDEX. 



-20; letter to (Peter H. Porter) on 
removal of Indians from 111., 343. 

Sedgwick, Theodore, speaker of the 
House, 23. 

Semple, Mr., mention, 461. 

Servant, Col., mention, 593. 

Shackford, John, letter, acknowledg- 
ing letters of introduction, 577. 

Shakespeare's " Merchant of Venice", 
reference to, 274, 293. 

Shannon, the British frigate, mention, 
101. 

Sharp, Solomon P., letter, 216; poli- 
tics in Ky., 216.7; hopes the 111. 
caucus will nominate friends of 
Crawford, ib. ; mention, 107. 

Shaw-and- Hansen controversy, refer- 
ence, 381 n. 

Shawneetown, projected road to, 104, 
106, IT 7; land office at, 116, 119; 
distinguished men resident, 277 n; 
mention, 68, 69, 71, ib. n, 86, 103, 
12311, 147, 150, 155, 158, 15911, 
170, 201, 25011, 252, ib. n, 285, 290, 
294, 295, 300, 310, 344, 345 n. 

Shawneetown Bank, mention, 254m 

Shelby Co., 111., mention, 432, 441, 

.. 53i- 

Shelbyville, Ky. , mention, 216. 
Sheppardstown, Va., mention, 230. 
Shields, James, elected senator from 

111., not allowed to take his seat, 

46. 711. 
Sidney Grove, mention, 7811, 109, no. 
Silver Creek Settlem't, mention, 442. 
Simonton, Mr., postmaster at Kas- 

kaskia, 471. 
Simpson, Dr., of St. Louis, mention, 

135. 

Simpson, S., letter, 263; acknowl- 
edges receipt of $5, ib., congratu- 
lates Mr. E. on gubernatorial elec- 
tion, ib. ; views on national politics, 

^.263.4. 

Sioux Indians extensively engaged in 
lead-mining, 62; excited to hostili- 
ties, 315, 316. 

Slade, Charles, cong. canvass, 1832, 
58411, 593, 597-8; election vote, 
599 n; sketch, 584; mention of 
death, 233 m 

Slavery in 111., 243.5, 2 43 n - 

Sloane, John, M. C. from Ohio, letter 
requesting endorsement of his polit- 
ical influence and good private char- 
acter, 229.30; notice, 229 n. 



Slocumb, Rigdon B., candidate for 
lieut.-gov. Ill , 416 n. 

Sloo, Thomas, Jr., canvass for gov., 
1826, 250 n; notice, ib. ; his vote 
by counties, 251 n. 

Smith, Mr., killed by Mr. Winches- 
ter, 235 n. 

Smith, Mr., mention, 383. 

Smith, Benj. R., signer of petition, 76. 

Smith, Gen. Guy W., nominated for 
receiver of land-office at Palestine, 
167, 16711, 173.6; has ordered the 
evacuation of Fort Clark, 144; has 
retired from command, 145. 

Smith, Gen., of Md., re-election to 
congress, 267. 

Smith, fas., signer of petition, 78. 

Smith, Jos., of Alexandria, 111., men- 
tion, 220. 

Smith, Judge Theophilus W., witness 
against William Kinney, 270, 271; 
impeachment, 36611; illness while 
judge, 393.4; editor of the Kas- 
kaskia Crisis, 543.4; favorable to 
VanBuren, mention, 285, 296, 329n, 
347, 348, 349, 352, 355, 357, 361, 
37o, 393, 394, 466, 511, 544- 

Smith, Truman, M. C. from Conn., 
mention, 31 n. 

Smith, William, lawyer of Galena, 
mention, 521. 

Smoker, Mr., of Galena, ment., 555. 

Snyder's Co , fight with Indians, 590. 

Somerset, Pa., mention, 120. 

Sou St. Mary, mention, 83. 

Southard, Sam. L., U. S. sen. from 
N. J., letter on national politics, 
205.6; sketch, ib. 11. 

Spain, mention, 140, 372, 566. 

Spectator, The, reference, 451. 

Spoon River, mention, 275. 

Sprenkle, M., signer of petition, 76. 

Sprigg, Judge, appointm't, 103, ib. n. 

Springfield Courier, reference, 513. 

Springfield, 111., land sale at, 21 1; 
proprietors, name changed to Cal- 
houn, ib. ; 45 acres near offered for 
$35°, 435; mention, I24n, 275, 
278, 323, 324, 328, 335, 363, 366n, 
367*, 385, 389, 401, 408, 447, 448, 
459, 477, 494, 5°°, 5 10, 5*6, 5*8, 
529, 533, 537, 542, 580. 

Springfield, Ky., mention, 31 n, 207, 
208. 

Stanley, Edw. G., M. C. from Ga., 
mention, 31 n. 



INDEX. 



629 



Starr, Mr., of Cincinnati, men., 536. 
Steamboat yosephine, 409. 
11 Triton, 409. 

11 Missouri, 491. 

11 Bolivar, 332. 

Steele's mill, mention, 586. 
Stephenson, Benj., major, letter on 
private business, 120; sketch, i2on; 
with A. Chouteau forms treaty with 
Indians at Edwardsville, 141 ; men- 
tion, 95, 107, no, 119, 143, 159, 
163, 235 n. 
Stephenson, Mrs. Benjamin, mention, 

535, 536. 

Stephens, Thos., signer of petition, 77. 

Stevens, Thad., speech before Penn. 
delegation to republican conven- 
tion, 246. 7 n. 

Stewart, Ayers, mention, 26; mort- 
gage given by, 26. 

Stewart, S., of Mt. Carmel, mention, 
442. 

Stokes, Edm., signer of petition, 77. 

St. Clair, Gov. Arthur, organizes new 
counties, 73. 411; orders records 
returned to Win. St. Clair, 74n; 
gives name to St. Clair Co., 73 n. 

St. Clair Co., 111., organization, name, 
boundary, 73_4n; vote for gov., 
1826, 25m; cong. vote, 1832, 599n; 
mention, 29 n, 42, 43 n, 64n, 82 n, 
92, 103, 123, 220, 573, 594. 

St. Clair, Maj., mention, 160. 

St. Clair, Wm., register of St. Clair 
Co., 74 n. 

St. Charles District, Mo., mention, 

57, 94- 

Ste. Genevieve, Mo., mention, 161, 
236, ib. n. 

St. Joseph, mention, 83. 

St. Louis of 1 81 7, see letter of Wm. 
Christy, 133; the 111. Indians' visit, 
54; first book, ib. n; first newspaper, 
67 n, 91 ; postmaster, 1829, 430; 
mention, 56, 57, 60, 66, 74, 134, 
135, 141, 143, 144, 145, 161, 236, 
239, 3io, 3 2I > 323, 332, 408, 412, 
413, 414, 448, 456, 555. 

St. Marks, occupancy by Gen. Jack- 
son of, 566. 

St. Peters, mention, 321, 489. 

St. Petersburg, mention, 180. 

Street, Joseph M., letters, 272, 282, 
285, 290, 294, 300, 310, 312, 32c, 
327,333; removal to Shawneetown, 
70; affidavit, reference, 181 ; gives 



dismal description of Peoria, 273.5; 
his large family, 274; friends at 
Washington do nothing for him, 
274.5; buys farm in Sangamon Co. 
to which he intends to remove if 
he can not get, through Gov. E.'s 
influence, some appointment, 275. 
6, 283; interested in canal move- 
ment, 275; sketch, 277 n; thanks 
Gov. E. for friendly solicitude and 
letter to gov'nment officials, 282.3; 
seeks appointment of Indian agent 
at Prairie du Chien, 284, 293; ap- 
pointment as such, 282 n; opinion 
concerning call of the legislature, 
284, 287; speculations concerning 
state politics, 285, 288, 295.6; visits 
Cumberland College, Ky. , 286, 290; 
criticises course of Eddy's paper, 
-287; interested in a cong. canvass 
in Ky., 288.9, 291.2; Mr. Clay's 
interest in Mr. Street's appointment, 
292, 294; see prospectus of the III. 
Corrector, 292.3; wants to resign 
generalship, 293; expects to move 
to Sangamon Co., 293, 296; attends 
a camp-meeting, 297 ; makes in- 
quiries concerning rumors of an 
Indian war and call for militia, 297. 
8; is unable, in consequence of fall, 
to move immediately to Prairie du 
Chien, but will in a few days, 300. 1 ; 
draft in his brigade progressing, 301 ; 
has not resigned his commission as 
brigadier-gen., ib. ; expresses sor- 
row at estrangement of Clay and 
John Pope, 302.3; resigns militia 
appointment, 310; gives informa- 
tion concerning causes of Winne- 
bago war, 312; and of various In- 
dian reservations, 313.5; want of 
mail accommodations at Prairie du 
Chien, 321; proposes mail route to 
that place, 322.3; dreads execution 
of Red Bird, 325, 326; tribute to 
the memory of Mr. Cook, 327 ; 
seeks appointment as com'r to treat 
with Indians, 327; relieved by death 
of Red Bird by natural causes, 333; 
popularity with Indians, 333; recom- 
mends purchase from Indians of all 
mining-lands, 334. 

Strode's heirs, legal difficulty with 
Mr. E., 79, 100. 

Strode, James M., spoken of for ju- 
dicial appointment, 556. 



630 



INDEX. 



Stuart, Judge, resignation, ioi, 103, 

10311. 
Stuart, John T., M. C. from 111., 32 n; 

saved E. B. Washburne's life, ib. ; 

reminiscences of Benj. Mills, 366. 

7 n; mention, 513. 
St. Vincennes, a county-seat, 73 n. 
Summerset, old spelling of Somerset, 

120, I20n. 
Sutton, Wm., signer of petition, 77. 
Swigert, Gen., mention, 413. 
Switzerland, 46 n. 



Talbot, Isham, lawyer for Mr. E., 
79; notice of, 79 n, 99. 

Talbott, Tibath, of Ky. , mention, 208. 

Taliaferro, John, M. C. from Virginia, 
mention, 274, 283, 284, 286. 

Tallon, Thorten, signer of petition, 78. 

Taylor, Jonathan, letter concerning 
his appointment as register of land- 
office, 69.70; for years in public 
service, 70; encloses recommenda- 
tion of Mr. Patterson, ib. 

Taylor, Mr., of Springfield, mention, 
391, 448, 460, 467. 

Taylor, Nimrod, signer of petition, 77. 

Taylor, Richard, mention, 337. 

Taylor, Wilkins & Co., lessees of sa- 
lines, 181. 

Tazewell Co., cong. vote, 1834, 368n; 
mention, 473; strong for Reynolds, 

494-5- 

Tazewell, Mr., desires seat in cabi- 
net, 378, 379 n, 381. 

Tear, John, signer of petition, 77. 

Tecumseh, killing of, 162 n. 

Teel, Mr., candidate forgov., 532, 534. 

Telegraph, The, of Washington, men- 

, tio »> 535, 570. 

Tennessee, mention, I7n,20, 26, 3m, 
3211, 207, 214, 235, 344, 365, 436, 
560 n. 

Texas, mention, 447, 577 n. 

Thomas, Jesse B, letter (lithog. ), 
refuses to delay nomination, 177; 
elected U. S. senator, 5, I46n, 147; 
drew long term, 148 n; differences 
with Gov. E., 167x1; mention, 159, 
160. 1, 176, 203, 204 n, 234, 282, 
285, 287, 293, 295, 296, 34411, 478. 

Thomas, Mr., mention, 315. 

Thomas, William, mention, 478. 

Thompson, Capt., mention, 463. 



Thompson, Mr., of 111., friend of A. 
P. Field, 546; mention, 581. 

Thompson, Mr., of N. Y., men., 206. 

Thompson, Sam'l H. , vote for lieut.- 
gov., 1826, by counties, 251 n. 

Thorne, Jos., signer of petition, 77. 

Thurston, Judge, mention, 70. 

Thurston, Mr., not candidate forclerk- 
ship of Ky. senate, 23. 

Tiffin, Edward, commissioner of gen. 
land-office, letter on leases of U. S. 
salines, 104.5; sketch, I04n; men- 
tion, 107, 119. 

Tillson, Mr., mention, 397, 530, 580. 

Tillson & Holmes, dealers in paper 
stock, mention, 409, 475, 494, 557. 

Todd Co., Ky., mention, 185 n. 

Todd, Dr. John, of Edwardsville, 

. mention, 241, 354, 385, 390, 401, 
442, 483, 5!6- 

Todd, John, Jr., mention, 581. 

Todd, Thomas, mention, 45. 

Tomkins, Mr., candidate for gov., 
Ky., 217. 

Trammel!, Col., of Gallatin Co., men- 
tion, 97, 97 n. 

Trevis, Mr., agt. of Col. Hart, 24, 25. 

Triggs court-house, Ky., mention, 288. 

Trimble, Mr., candidate for presiden- 
tial elector, Ky., 33. 

Tunis, Judge, of Ky., mention, 208.. 

Turkey River, mention, 323. 

Turner, Judge, U. S. judge orders 
removal of records from Cahokia 
to Kaskaskia, 74 n. 

Turney, Hopkins L. , mem. Congress 
from Tenn., mention, 32 n. 

Turney, John, mention, 518; hisduel, 
5°5-6n. 

U. 

Union Co., 111., organization, 74 n; 
vote for gov., 1826, 251 n; cong. 
vote, 1832, 599, ib. n; mention, 
237, 238, 381, 403, 452, 453 n, 584, 
596, 598, 600. 

United States, cession of N.-W. T'y 
to, 72.3 n; its supreme court de- 
clared to be a tyrant and monarch 
of this country, 381 ; mention, 51, 
55 n, 6 5, 73, 78, ib. n, 79, 120, 123, 
132, 140, 145 n, 149, 159, 176, 177, 
178, ib. n, I79n, 18511, 205n, 2o6n, 
222, 225, 229, 277, 300, 305, 306, 
314, 321, 327, 328, 336, 346, 359, 



INDEX. 



631 



360, 372, 503, 507, 55m, 582, 584. 
Utah, mention, 436 n. 
Utica, N.Y., mention, 336. 



Vallad, Paul, extradition of, 433 n, 

434- 

VanBuren, Martin, letter, 433; en- 
closes, as sec'y of state, reply of 
British minister to application for 
extradition of Paul Vallad, 434; 
favors election of Kinney, 455 ; 
wishes Jackson to be candidate for 
re-election, 488; at work for his 
own election, 547-8; mention, 235n, 
266, 281, 282, 388, 433n, 476, 570. 

VanBuren- Harrison campaign, refer- 
ence, 3 m. 

Vandalia the seat of 111. government, 
64n; mention, 174, 203, 204n, 243, 
244, 265, 267, 343, 354, 357, 364, 
366, 376, 379, 381, 382, 402, 403, 
417, 429, 433, 441, 442, 443, 464, 
512, 515, 516, 519, 530, 537, 546, 
556, 557, 56o, 569, 571, 580, 594. 

Vasques, Bennett, interpreter for the 
Iowa Indians, 215. 

Vaugh, Mr., British minister, 433 n, 

434- 

Vermilion Co. , 111., vote for gov. , 1 826, 
25m; mention, 432, 441. 

Vermont, mention, 28n, 29n, 337, 439. 

Vesey's report, reference, 92. 

Virginia, her interpretation of the 
words " Freedom, sovereignty, and 
independence," 574; high court of 
chancery, mention, 23; line, act for 
relief of the soldiers of the, 535 
mention, i8n, 23, 32n, 72n, 128 
230, 236n, 242, 267, 283, 372 n, 574 

Vincennes, Ind., place of rendezvous 
80; mention, 84; old name, 453 n 

Visinoe, Lewess, signer of petition, 77 

Voorhies, Maj., wishes to buy Ky 
land, 99, 100. 

W. 

Wabash Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 

25m; mention, 441, 582. 
Wabash counties, reference, 247 n. 
Wabash River, mention, 4911, 57, 69, 

ib. n, 241, 357. 
Wabasha, a hostile chieftain, 315, 316. 
Wallace, Win., lawyer of Ky., letter, 



asks for lease of mineral lands in 
Hardin Co., 111., 52.3. 
; Wallace, Mrs. Wm., mention, 53. 
I War of 1812, mention, 5811, 162 n; 
see 111. militia, Ky. troops; with 
Mexico, mention, 58n; see Black 
Hawk. 

Warren, Mr., fight with Mr. Wat- 
kins, 329. 

Warren Co. cong. vote, 1834, 368 n; 
mention, 407, 439, 515, 527.8, 52^. 

Warren, Hooper, letter, 328, 335, 
3 6 3, 3 8 5, 389, 397, 400, 406, 408, 
421, 436, 454, 466, 467, 475, 489, 
492, 514, 520, 527, 532, 541, 555; 
letters respecting the sale of the 
Sangavw Spectator, 328, 335; notice 
of Mr. Warren, 328.9 n; intends to 
give up editing newspaper and to 
emigrate to Canada, 337; sells San- 
gavw Spectator, 363; expresses sat- 
isfaction with canal com'rs, 385 ; 
asks appointment of Wm. Porter 
as treasurer of that board, ib. ; 
thinks of moving to Galena, 386.7; 
mention, 385 n; unsettled as to re- 
moval, 389.90; letter on postmaster 
of Hillsborough, 397; removes to 
Galena, 400; depressed condition 
of business at that place, 400; ex- 
pects to be appointed clerk of one 
of new counties, 407 ; delays in 
starting the newspapers, 408.9; the' 
political course of his proposed 
papers perplexing him, 409; diffi- 
culties connected with the publica- 
tion of Galena Advertiser, 421.5, 
436; thinks of leaving Galena, 423, 
430, 457; seeks appointment as 
clerk of the circuit court in some 
new county, 425.6, 439; friends do 
not sustain the paper, 438; would 
prefer to move to Chicago, 439; in- 
terested in the 111. -Wis. boundary 
question, 439.40 ; course of the 
Advertiser in the Kinney- Reynolds 
canvass, 454-5, 467.8; refuses to 
give up the name of anonymous 
writer, 466; advises Gov. E. not 
to write any more anonymous com- 
munications, 467; asks for informa- 
tion concerning Emanuel J. West, 
469 ; wishes for organization of 
Cook Co., 470; winter gayety at 
Galena, 475, ib. n; Galena papers 
do not get the printing of the laws 



632 



INDEX. 



of Congress, 476; difficulties con- 
nected with running his paper, 476; 
wishes Gov. E. to write for it, 476; 
poverty, 491, 492 .3, 523, 529, 534; 
organization of new counties, 515, 
528; financial difficulties of Galena 
Advertiser, 489.91, 492, 514.5, 
520.1; its suspension, 521.2; Ga- 
lena vote for gov. , 1830, 532; prints 
handbills for Kinney, 533, 534; ap- 
pointments at Galena, 533; his in- 
vestment in land- warrants, 535-6; 
negotiations for purchase of mate- 
rials of Galena Advertiser, 54O-I, 
555; inability to send the press to 
St. Louis, 541 -2, 555; suit against 
Newhall, Philleo & Co., 542.3, 
556; wants to move to Chicago, 556. 

Warren, Win. A., second in a duel, 
566m 

Washburne, E. B., sketch of Gov. E. 
and his correspondence, 5.7; editor 
of Edwards papers, 8 ; friendship 
for John T. Stuart, who taved his 
life, 32 n; describes present condi- 
tion of Mr. Bond's residence, 4411; 
served in Congress with John J. 
Crittenden, 4811; reminiscence of 
Felix Grundy, 23511; of John Scott, 
23611; of Republican National Con- 
vention, 1856, 246.711; of Henry 
Eddy, 252 n; cong. terms while liv- 
ing in Galena, 369 n. 

Washburne's (E. B. ) " Sketch of Gov. 
Coles, " references and quotations, 
12411,* 38211,* 45311.* 

Washington City, mention, 28, 30, 
32, 36, 63, 78, 80, 83, 84, 93, 95, 
97, 101, 102, 108, no, in, 113, 

114, 117, 128, 135, 137, 138, 139, 

I5 1 * J 53, 162 11, 179 n, 190, 191, 
205, 209, 210, 215, 217, 220, 221, 
223, 230, 23711, 266, 268, 274, 280, 
305, 309, 3", 317, 321, 327, 328, 
340, 377, 379, 399, 427, 433, 45°, 
488, 536, 547, 551, 552, 556, 558, 
559, 560, ib. n, 562, ib. n, 565, 569, 
57o, 577, 582. 

Washington Co., Ill, organization, 
name, 73 n, 74 n; vote for gov., 
1826, 25m; cong. vote, 1832, 599n; 
mention, 586. 

Washington, George, gave name to 
Washington Co., 74n; men., 73 n. 

Washing? n Republic 1 n, reference, 223. 

Washingt. Telegraph, reference, 2 1 5m 



Waterloo, 111., founding of, 278 n; 
mention, 393, 403, 416, 434. 

Wawzeekootee, an Indian, 315. 

Wayne Co., 111., vote for gov., 1826, 
251 n; mention, 293, 387, 416m 

Webb, Henry L. , cong. canvass, 1832, 
584 n; vote, 599 n. 

Webster, Dan'l, letter (lithog. ), send- 
ing back legal papers of Gov. E., 
271 ; mention, 271 n. 

Wells, , of Ky., commandant of 

recruits, 1812, 79. 

West, Emanuel J. , receiver, Edwards- 
ville, 428, 446; charge d 'affaires to 
Peru, 446; sketch, 446n, 450; men- 
tion, 347, 348, 349, 361, 451, 460, 

544- 
Western Gitizeu, reference to, 329. 
Western Sun, The, paper of Madison 

Co., reference to, 133. 
Westfield, Mr., mention, 413. 
Westminster, Md., mention, 103. 
Westwoodplace, Gallatin Co., 111., 

mention, 282. 
Whiever, Willis, signer of petition, 78. 
White Co., 111., organization, 74 n; 

vote for gov., 1826, 25m; mention, 

145, 150, 28211, 432, 441, 555 n, 

582m 
White, Isaac, agent of H. Butler at 

salines, 51. 
White, Leonard, receives votes for 

U. S. senator, 204n; sketch, 282 n; 
' mention, 204, 274, 276,284,285,287. 
White, Sam. L., signer of petition, 77. 
Whiteside, Mr., of Pope Co., men- 
tion, 497. 
Whiteside Co., for whom named, 64m 
Whiteside, David, mention, 45. 
Whiteside family, 63. 4m 
Whiteside, Samuel, report on Indian 

affray to Capt. W. B. Whiteside, 63, 

_5; notice, 65 n. 
Whiteside Station, 64 n. 
Whiteside, Robert, mention, 45. 
Whiteside, Wm. B., letter enclosing 

report of Samuel Whiteside, 66. 7; 

mention, 43, 45, 67 n; his company, 

1812.3, 83, 84, 103, 109, 113, 115. 
Whistler, Capt., mention, 325. 
Whitlock, Lieut., paymaster of U. S. 

troops in 111., 78, 84, 85, 102, 106, 

107, 109, no, 113. 
Whittaker, John, election to Illinois 

house, 453 n, 454; mention, 584. 
Wiggins, Mr., mention, 236. 



INDEX. 



633 



Wight, A. G. S., letter to, on four 
slaves bought from Gov. E., 243.5; 
mention, 411, 454, 455, 456, 466, 

541, 555, 556. 

Wilbanks, Mr., of St. Clair Co., 
mention, 220. 

Wilcox, E., signer of petition, 78. 

Wilcox, Isaac D., member of legis- 
lature, 150. 

Wild Oats Indians, 134. 

Wilkins, Mr., interested in U. S. 
salines, 51; mention, 181. 

Wilkinson, Gen. James, mention, 

33, 35- 

Will, Conrad, discoverer of a saline, 
119; political influence, 598; elec- 
tion to III. senate, 600. 

Williams, Parker, signer of petition, 

Willis, James W., mention, 386. 

Wilson, Abe, signer of petition, 77. 

Wilson, Harrison, signer of petition, 
77; seeks militia appointment, 104. 

Wilson, James, mention, 397. 

Wilson, Samuel M., of Galena, men- 
tion, 236 n. 

Wilson, Judge William, 482. 

Winchester, Mr., trial for murder of 
Mr. Smith, 235, ib. n; mention, 
160, 163, 235. 

Winchester's, Gen., defeat, reference 
to, 96. 

Winn, Mr., indictment against, 402.3. 

Winnebago Co., Ill, mention, 243 n. 

Winnebago country, 324. 

Winnebago Indians, hostilities of, 
305, 306.9, 313, 314, 326; treaty 
to be negotiated with, 327. 

Winnebago Lake, mention, 314. 

Wirt, Wm., letter of, 185, 230 (lith.), 
23 1; letter to, from Dan'l Webster 
on Gov. E.'s legal business, 271; 



views on relation of president and 
senators as to appointments, 167.8; 
letter onsamesubject, 185.9; sketch, 
i85n; wishes of Pres. Monroe re- 
specting Edwards- Crawford contro- 
versy, 23O-I; notice, 271 n; men- 
tion, 30, 160. 

Wisconsin, mention, 73 n, 153, 334, 
382 n, 385 n, 386 n, 436 n, 566 n. 

Wisconsin River, mention, 305, 313, 
315, 334; see Ouiconsing River. 

Wise, Henry A., M. C. from Va., 
31, 32 n. 

Wright, Jas., signer of petition, 77^ 

Wright, Joel, candidate for legish 
ture, 516. 

Wright, Mr., candidate for gov., 111., 

532, 534- 
Wolcott, Dr. Alex., death, 558. 
Wollen, Mr., mention, 127. 
Wood, John, signer of petition, 77. 
Woodbury, Levi, of N. H., spoken 

of for cabinet office, 379, 381 n. 
Woods, Zach., signer of petition, 77. 
Woolf, Geo., sh'if of Union Co., 238. 
Wooster, Ohio, mention, 230. 



"Yankees," objects of aversion in 
111., 365 n, 388 n. 

Young, Rich. M., letter, 237; sketch, 
ib. n; desires Mr. E. to be candi- 
date for gov., 237; thinks that E.'s 
election would be certain, 237.9; 
gets loan from Edwardsville Bank, 
375.6; clerkship in his circuit, 390, 
407, 425, 467; not to be candidate 
for gov., 426; spoken of for U. S. 
senate, 555 n, 556; mention, 455, 
475, 478, 515, 527, 529, 532, 536. 



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